Limassol Port Workers Prepare for a New Strike

Youtube Some 40 Limassol port workers have decided to take matters into their own hands as they announced an indefinite strike against the bid selected for marine services by the Cyprus government, the Cyprus Mail reported. Scheduled to start on March 21, the strike would see maritime pilots, mechanics, and tugboat captains walk out to defend their rights against what they described as mockery on the part of the officials involved in the port privatization process, as they believe the final offer was set too low. Namely, Limassol port workers conducted a number of industrial actions over the recent period as they feared the privatization would result in layoffs. The two-year privatization was finally concluded at the end of February when the new operators of the port’s container terminal, marine services and multi-purpose terminal were announced. The marine services at the port was awarded to a consortium of companies comprising DP World Limited, P&O Maritime and G.A.P Vassilopoulos Public Ltd. as the starting amount was set at EUR 500,000 (USD 565,400), and a minimum annual concession fee of EUR 150,000. The privatization of commercial operations at Limassol and Larnaca has been agreed between Cyprus and international creditors as part of the countrys bailout plan. World Maritime News Staff