Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-11-10

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Court rules Piraeus port strike illegal (Adds, reax)

[01] Court rules Piraeus port strike illegal (Adds, reax)

The ruling came after the country's chambers of commerce and 48 businesses filed a class action lawsuit against the 1,500 striking dockworkers in the port of Piraeus, claiming that their financial interests are being hurt. The dock workers union is opposing implementation of a contract giving Chinese multinational Cosco concession of the Piraeus container port -- one of the biggest direct foreign investments in Greece over the recent period.

The dockworkers union OMYLE will convene later Tuesday to decide its future steps.

Gov't

In later statements, government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis reiterated that "the government has no intention of forcing striking dockworkers to go back to work" adding, however, "the new circumstances created are clearly taken under consideration."

He stressed that the government respects court decisions and its intent is to continue dialogue with the strikers.

"Greek citizens should respect court rulings and the workers are responsible enough to respect this ruling," he added.

Responding to a press question, he stated that no request has been made to the prime minister's office for a meeting with the president of Cosco.

Referring to the meeting on Monday between Minister of State Haris Pampoukis, government vice-president Theodoros Pangalos and the Chinese ambassador, Petalotis stressed that "we respect the contract," pointing out that "we have expressed reservations both before and after the elections, while we have also clarified what's the room for improvement."

Reactions

Meanwhile, the Civil Servants' Union (ADEDY) expressed opposition to the ruling, referring to a criminalisation of strike actions.

Conversely, Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) President Constantine Mihalos called on the strikers to respect legality and stop mobilisations that hurt the Greek economy.

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