Greek seamen on 48-hour strike

Ferries will remain docked at ports across Greece on Friday and Saturday as the labor union of seamen has called for a 48-hour strike to protest the latest tax hikes and pension reform.

Seamen object to the abolishment of their special tax breaks, claiming that their households cannot bear the extra burdens.

Under the planned tax rates in the context of the Greek bailout program, they will have to pay up to 55 percent of their annual income in taxes, said the Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO).

The seamen have asked the government to take into account the harsh and unhealthy working conditions at sea and the sector's major contribution to the national economy for decades.

The sector has also suffered from the seven-year debt crisis and needs support, they added, noting that 40 percent of the seamen today are jobless.

PNO unionists threatened further strikes unless the government reconsiders the planned policies.

Seamen will also take part in the general strike called by unions for Dec. 8. Endi