Greek Island Ferries Back to Work After Crews End Strike

Greek ferry crews have ended a strike that left tens of thousands of travelers and islanders stranded for more than a day.

ATHENS, Greece β€” Greek ferry crews have ended a strike that left tens of thousands of travelers and islanders stranded for more than a day.

The main seamen's union, PNO, decided Tuesday to return to work immediately, after ferry operators offered them a 2 percent pay increase after an eight-year freeze because of Greece's debt crisis.

That means that ferries will start sailing as soon as possible, instead of after 6 a.m. (0300 GMT) Wednesday when the strike had originally been due to end.

PNO had initially been pressing for a 5 percent pay hike.

The strike, launched early Monday, caused considerable disruptions as most islands have no air link with the mainland.

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