Travellers to Greece’s popular island destinations will face disruptions on Wednesday because of a 24-hour strike by ferry crews who cite safety and labour concerns after a tardy passenger was pushed into the sea by a ferry crew member and drowned – a scandal that led to the resignation of Greece’s shipping minister on Monday.

The PNO union said the decision to strike was made “on the occasion of the repulsive incident” last week in Greece’s main port of Piraeus, which sparked anger and condemnation across Greece.

The union didn’t link the strike action directly to the incident, but said it deplored what it called the improper implementation of laws and regulations on shipping and harbour safety. It said crew members are overworked and ferry sailing schedules are “unreasonable,” which PNO said raises severe safety concerns.

The statement also called on the government to “take all necessary measures to protect human life at sea.”

An island ferry captain and three of his crew were arrested and charged over the 36-year-old man’s death in Piraeus.

A video of the incident showed the man trying to board the Blue Horizon ferry as it prepared to leave, and a crewman shoving him off the loading ramp into waters violently churned by the moving ship’s propellers.

No effort was made to save the man, and the ferry continued on its course far out of port until it was ordered back.

An investigation is underway into harbour authorities’ response to the incident, and two senior Piraeus port police officers have been suspended.