Greek Strikes Block Ship, Ferry Services; Another Strike Planned for November

Big news for travelers in Greece today: Enikos is reporting that ships and ferries will not operate on Thursday among the country's many islands due to a 24-hour strike called by the National federation of port employees (Omyle) to protest against the government's planned privatization of ports.

In a statement issued by the federation, the workers blamed the strike on "the government's policies and decision to sell out ports."

Looking farther ahead, Greece’s major labor unions are planning a 24-hour general strike for November 27 in order to protest against planned layoffs and pension reforms demanded by the country’s international lenders. According to the Greek Reporter, this will be the first general strike in the country after a period of seven months and it is expected to coincide with a visit by European Union (EU) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) inspectors.