PENEN strike: Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries tied up in Rafina on Friday

On July 3, 2026, the port of Rafina experienced a complete halt in ferry operations due to a 24-hour strike organized by maritime workers. This disruption affected multiple ferry lines operated by Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries, leading to the cancellation of several routes connecting the mainland to the islands of the Cyclades and the broader Aegean region. The strike was initiated by the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Mariners (PENEN), one of the major labor unions representing seafarers in Greece. Despite legal challenges, the union proceeded with its plans, asserting the right to protest under Greek law.

The strike began early on the morning of July 3, with the two ferry companies confirming that all scheduled departures would be canceled. These included routes to popular tourist destinations such as Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. Specific services affected included the Fast Ferries' Andros route between Rafina and the island of Andros, as well as the Aikaterini P. service from Rafina to Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos. Similarly, Golden Star Ferries suspended services involving the Superferry route to Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros, as well as the Andros King’s morning and evening departures, the Golden Princess's high-speed journey to Ios and Thira, and the Andros Queen’s afternoon trip to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.

In response to the strike, both companies issued statements urging passengers to contact local offices or customer service centers for updates regarding alternative travel options or changes to their tickets. The disruptions were expected to cause significant inconvenience for travelers planning trips during this period, particularly those relying on these ferry services for access to the Aegean islands.

The strike was not without controversy. On July 2, the single-judge court in Piraeus ruled that the strike was illegal, citing concerns over its impact on public transport and economic stability. However, PENEN and other participating unions rejected the ruling, arguing that it attempted to criminalize their efforts to improve working conditions and secure better benefits for seafarers. The union maintained that the strike was lawful and necessary to address long-standing grievances related to wages, safety, and job security.

In an effort to resolve the dispute before the strike commenced, PENEN had previously engaged in discussions with representatives of SeaJets, another ferry company operating similar routes from Rafina. During a meeting chaired by PENEN president Antonios Dalakogeorgos and SeaJets head Marinos Eliopoulos, both parties discussed ongoing labor issues affecting the crews of ships based at Rafina. According to PENEN’s statement, the union presented its demands, emphasizing the specific challenges faced by the workers, including wage disputes and poor working conditions. The management of PENEN stated that the disagreement centered solely on labor-related matters and did not involve broader business or institutional conflicts.

Despite these talks, no agreement was reached, and the strike proceeded as planned. PENEN reiterated its stance that the exercise of the right to strike was essential for protecting the rights of its members and ensuring fair treatment within the industry. Meanwhile, SeaJets has yet to make a public statement regarding the content of the meeting or the positions taken by either side.

Looking ahead, the immediate effects of the strike are likely to be felt most acutely among tourists and residents who rely on these ferry services for daily commuting and leisure activities. With no indication of a resolution in sight, the situation could lead to further delays or even more extensive disruptions in the coming days. As the strike continues, the focus remains on how the affected communities and businesses will adapt to the temporary loss of these vital transportation links. The outcome of this conflict could also have implications for future labor negotiations in the maritime sector, setting a precedent for how such disputes are handled moving forward.