Ferry boats remained docked at the port of Patras on Tuesday for a third straight day, with the Greece-Italy routes interrupted due to an industrial action declared by a union representing merchant seamen.

The strike has left hundreds of passengers and scores of lorries waiting for the maritime routes to reopen.

An association representing coastal shippers on Tuesday called the continuation of the strike, declared by the seafarers’ union (PENEN), as illegal, given that relevant court decisions have ruled as much in recent days.

The association emphasized that a collective bargaining agreement has been signed with the national federation (PNO) representing the entire sector of wage-earners, of which PENEN is a member. The agreement foresees an increase in wages by 5% in 2025, above the 11% hikes given over the previous two years. The coastal shippers’ association also called the strike action “anti-social”.