Greek maritime tourism is one of the most dynamic sectors, of strategic importance to the Greek economy, a significant contribution to GDP and a powerful footprint worldwide.
However, ferry workers are facing problems that remain unresolved for a long time, as George Valis, president of the Pan -Hellenic Union of Private and Vocational Yaps (HYCA), said in an interview with newsit.gr.
“We are talking about an industry that contributes more than 1.5% of GDP to the Greek economy. These are some billions, “Mr Valis emphasizes, pointing out Yachting’s contribution to employment, local development and luxury tourism.
However, he stresses that “we have 14 fixed demands that remain unsolved to date”. These include, among other things, the different tax treatment of seafarers working on private yachts compared to their colleagues on other commercial shipping ships. “We see people working with the same qualifications, paying the same insurance contributions, but in the taxation part of having a difference for people who work on private and business boats,” he notes.
He adds that pregnant seafarers are confronted with unjustified discreet treatment. “As a pregnant woman stays, she is expelled with 15 days compensation. […] This woman pays two and three times more contributions than all other women. At least, it had to be in the nine -month period, “he says.
At the same time, Mr Valis raises a safety issue due to the gap in the context of the management of naval flares. “We ask for a serial number in all flares and obligation to go for destruction or recycling,” he underlines, warning of the dangers that arise when they end up in the wrong hands.
Another pathogenesis facing crews and passengers is the absence of telemedicine infrastructure and the lack of defibrillators on boats. “In cases of need, we could take the first steps or a doctor remotely direct us,” he explains.
The industry also faces serious deficiencies in port infrastructure, many of which have a picture of abandonment. ‘We see in Porto Heli being a sailboat semi -decorated four years […] They have not left the illegal retaja. Do not comply with the General Port Regulation, “he says. At the same time, he notes that “in Spetses the boats cannot be tied”.
However, Mr Valis appears to be moderately optimistic: “I want to believe that with the arrival of the new minister and the new leader in the Port Authority, solutions will be provided”, calling on the state to understand the importance of the industry. “People are asking for solutions immediately. Employees deserve it. It is a difficult profession with a huge contribution to the economy, “he concludes.