The Greek government has invoked an emergency power act to order sailors and dock workers to end a six day strike that has crippled traffic to Greek islands.

Workers who defy the order will face jail terms of three months to five years.

Merchant Marine Minister Costas Mousouroulis said everything had been done to meet the demands of the strikers and that they are engaging in “petty politics.” The Greek government has been at odds with many of the country’s unions as they’ve imposed harsh austerity measures aimed at meeting requirements of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund bailouts.

The striking workers claim they have not received their wages for six months.

“We will tear up this order,” trade union official Antonis Dalakogiorgos told a Greek radio station. “We will take all necessary measures to safeguard our struggle.”

The strike is having serious impact on those who live on the islands. One island group in the Aegean Sea is reporting shortages in goods and that those with serious health issues are unable to reach medical attention. Dead bodies are also being piled up unable to be delivered to the mainland for burial.

Farmers are now threatening to block highways after spending the last week parking tractors in one of the highway lanes.