ANKARA

A Greek seamen’s federation announced a 48-hour nationwide strike that started at 6.00 a.m., local media reported on Wednesday.

The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) argued that the employers’ refusal to engage in dialogue on signing a new collective labor agreement for this year led to the strike, according to public broadcaster ERT.

Serious and concrete measures against the employment of uninsured people in the maritime industry and a significant increase in unemployment benefits are among the demands raised by the federation, it said, adding that the union of tugboat crews will also follow the strike.