Italian ships still stuck in Corinth
A dispute between a seamen’s union and an Italian shipping firm, which has led to two cargo vessels being prevented from leaving Corinth for the past few days, is to enter its second week today, after a failure to reach a breakthrough over the weekend. Adriatic Lines, which owns the Ropax 1 and 2 that have been kept in port by protesting members of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), refused a second invitation form the Greek government to take part in negotiations, unless the Italian ambassador was also invited. The firm appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s failure to end the protest and allow the ships to sail. Sources said that Adriatic Lines is considering taking the matter up with the European Commission. Members of PNO are demanding that more than 50 Greek seamen be employed on the two vessels.
