Shipboard employees of Tallink, Estonia's largest ferry company, went on a warning strike to protest for a 20% wage increase and refusing to repeat the 7-10 percent increase granted two years ago. 

The crew of the Tallink ship, MS Baltic Queen, protested in Tallinn's Old City Port, Terminal D, with around 50 participants - twice the number of passengers on the now-delayed vessel. Similar actions took place on two other Tallink vessels, the MS Star and the new MS MiStar. 

Juri Lember, head of the Independent Estonian Seamen's Union (EMSA), said: "Every six or eight years you have to be reminded with a warning strike," adding that: "We will not settle for some 7-10 percent wage increase as happened two years ago ". 

Thank you for coming to express your feelings, he said. This takes courage, as Tallink has adopted intimidation tactics. 

"You have managed to make it clear to yourself that living in a capitalist system of social organization and being in the role of a wage worker, you have no other way to achieve fair treatment and a fair price when selling your work than to jointly and boldly demand fair wages," he said. "Even in strikes, if there is nothing else left. We drafted response letters with lawyers to protect your rights," he said. 

For two years, EMSA wants a 20-22 percent salary increase for its members. For this, it would be necessary to get 2-2.5 million euros more money. 

"I looked at Tallink's 2021 report," he said. "Five board members were paid a total of 2.25 million euros." 

"We will not accept a 7-10 percent salary increase for two years." 

The union leader stated that Tallink repaid about 50.8 million euros of loans, which, he said, will increase the wealth of the company's management, adding that, unlike the crisis in 2008, the current economic environment is a recession.

Photo credit: Eesti Meremeeste Sõltumatu Ametiühing