Things are getting out of hand regarding the country’s economy and import/export activity. The Federation of Hellenic Port Workers (OMYLE) decided to continue its protests against the conservative government’s attempts to allow the entry of private port operators in Hellas’ two major ports, Piraeus and Thessalonica. In effect, this means that both ports will face further delays in cargo handling for a fourth consecutive month this year. Dockworkers will extend also in April their practice
of not showing up for overtime labor and work during the weekends and national holidays.
Despite the fact that the relative bill of law has already been voted and approved by the Hellenic Parliament, dockworkers aren’t going to give up their efforts, in an attempt to overthrow the whole procedure overboard. One of their main arguments regards their employment future, which according to them is at stake, with the potential entry of private operators.
Meanwhile, hundreds of small and medium companies are facing extinction, mainly those active in the import/export activity, since they are dealing with a shortage of products, either for resale in the domestic market, or for export purposes. As a result, Piraeus Traders Association has requested from the Ministry of Finances and the tax authorities to grant a number of measures that will ease these companies’ problems. They are focused in tax releaving efforts, mainly through the delay of paying taxes for at least one month (like VAT). The Association is also seeking loan payment delays, without any fines, since the activity in the market of Piraeus is lower by about 60% as estimated, during these last weeks.
Hellas is seeking investors to operate and modernize the country’s two major ports infrastructure and facilities, in an effort to boost cargo business and transform both ports in regional transshipment hubs. The winners will not only bring investments and possibly some major lines in the ports, but also secure a 30-year concession period as sole operators of the ports. OLP (Piraeus Port Authority) has an estimated market value of 462 million euros, while the port of Thessalonica is worth approximately 220 million euros. According to the plans, the contract which will be awarded shall require a minimum annual rent, while a further one-time 50 million euros payment by the winning bidder shall be included in the deal. Piraeus and the contractor will also split annual profits if the operator's return-on-assets ratio exceeds 15 per cent.
of not showing up for overtime labor and work during the weekends and national holidays.
Despite the fact that the relative bill of law has already been voted and approved by the Hellenic Parliament, dockworkers aren’t going to give up their efforts, in an attempt to overthrow the whole procedure overboard. One of their main arguments regards their employment future, which according to them is at stake, with the potential entry of private operators.
Meanwhile, hundreds of small and medium companies are facing extinction, mainly those active in the import/export activity, since they are dealing with a shortage of products, either for resale in the domestic market, or for export purposes. As a result, Piraeus Traders Association has requested from the Ministry of Finances and the tax authorities to grant a number of measures that will ease these companies’ problems. They are focused in tax releaving efforts, mainly through the delay of paying taxes for at least one month (like VAT). The Association is also seeking loan payment delays, without any fines, since the activity in the market of Piraeus is lower by about 60% as estimated, during these last weeks.
Hellas is seeking investors to operate and modernize the country’s two major ports infrastructure and facilities, in an effort to boost cargo business and transform both ports in regional transshipment hubs. The winners will not only bring investments and possibly some major lines in the ports, but also secure a 30-year concession period as sole operators of the ports. OLP (Piraeus Port Authority) has an estimated market value of 462 million euros, while the port of Thessalonica is worth approximately 220 million euros. According to the plans, the contract which will be awarded shall require a minimum annual rent, while a further one-time 50 million euros payment by the winning bidder shall be included in the deal. Piraeus and the contractor will also split annual profits if the operator's return-on-assets ratio exceeds 15 per cent.