A few days have passed since a shipwreck of a 50 year old tanker in the region of Piraeus caused a huge oil spill at the sea of Saronikos. The oil spill caused great consequences to local communities, to fishermen, tourist areas and also health hazards to the residents of Piraeus and neighboring areas. At the same time, the shipwreck endangered the lives of crewmembers.
This development proved once again that “growth” which has as goal the profits of the capitalists, as it happens with the great investments taking place in Piraeus port, such “growth” has no positive for the people. The need for profits undermines the necessary Health and Safety Regulations, and the great cuts imposed in environmental and social services, endangers the people.
The Unions affiliated with PAME held a massive demonstration demanding the protection of the environment, because it is connected with the life of the working class and the people, and must be priority for all of us. PAME demanded preventive measures, health and safety at work and in ships, and also measures to relief those affected by the disaster.
We demand the government to take all necessary measures to tackle pollution immediately. The shipowning company must bear the cost and not to pass it on to the people. To resist the plans of the Government and the Business Groups who sacrifice health, the environment and, more generally, the rights of workers at the altar of capitalist profitability.
