The indefinite strike at Larnaca port stems from workers’ grievances over working hours and overtime allocation, with accusations against Kition Ocean Port for favoring external contractors over regular employees. The strike’s potential impact on aid shipments to Gaza, like those organized by the Amalthea program, remains uncertain as negotiations between the workers and authorities are set to take place in Nicosia.
What is the reason behind the indefinite strike at Larnaca port?
Workers from the operational department of Larnac port have launched an indefinite strike due to disputes over working hours and overtime allocation. They accuse Kition Ocean Port of violating agreements by preferring external contractors for additional shifts, bypassing the agreed procedure that regular workers should be offered overtime first.
Strike Over Working Hours and Overtime
Workers from the operational department of Larnaca port have initiated an indefinite strike. The strike, which began on Monday, emerged from a dispute concerning working hours and the allocation of overtime. Nadia Kyritsi, trade union Segdamelin Peo’s Larnaca secretary-general, has accused Kition Ocean Port, the contractor, of breaching agreements made with the workforce.
According to Kyritsi, the company is bypassing its regular employees, preferring to use “external contractors” to cover extra shifts. She emphasized an accord made on February 9, which assures that the port’s regular workers have the opportunity to accept overtime hours before any outside help is sought. This arrangement mandates that the workers must decline the additional hours in writing before the company can seek external assistance.
The Amalthea Plan and Potential Impact
The protracted strike raises questions about the continuity of the Amalthea program, which coordinates aid shipments to Gaza. These humanitarian efforts typically set sail from Larnaca. The U.S. military vessel Sagamore, scheduled for loading with aid provisions, may encounter delays due to the current labor unrest. The extent of the strike’s influence on such aid activities is presently unclear.
Efforts to reach out to various officials for comments have been met with silence. The foreign ministry, the transport ministry, the presidential palace, and the Larnaca municipality have yet to issue a statement regarding the ongoing strike and its implications.
Negotiations and Future Developments
Negotiations seem to be the next step as a group of the striking workers plans to head to Nicosia. Their intention is to meet with Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades to discuss the matter at hand. These dialogues are crucial for resolving the dispute and preventing further disruption to the port’s operations and the larger logistics chain.
While the immediate future is uncertain, the workers’ determination suggests that a resolution may only come after thorough talks and reassessments of the current working conditions and contractual obligations. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for labor relations in the port and beyond.
What is the reason behind the indefinite strike at Larnaca port?
Workers from the operational department of Larnaca port have launched an indefinite strike due to disputes over working hours and overtime allocation. They accuse Kition Ocean Port of violating agreements by preferring external contractors for additional shifts, bypassing the agreed procedure that regular workers should be offered overtime first.
What is the potential impact of the strike on aid shipments to Gaza?
The strike at Larnaca port may affect aid shipments to Gaza, especially those organized by the Amalthea program. The U.S. military vessel Sagamore, set to load aid provisions, could face delays due to the ongoing labor unrest. The exact consequences of the strike on aid activities are currently uncertain.
What are the next steps in resolving the strike at Larnaca port?
Negotiations are expected to take place as a group of striking workers plan to travel to Nicosia to meet with Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades. These discussions are crucial for finding a resolution to the dispute, preventing further disruptions at the port, and maintaining the efficiency of the logistics chain.
Have there been any official statements from relevant authorities regarding the strike?
Efforts to obtain comments from officials such as the foreign ministry, the transport ministry, the presidential palace, and the Larnaca municipality have been unsuccessful. As of now, no official statements have been issued regarding the ongoing strike and its potential implications.
