Bank directors meet with members of the Greek Federation of Bank Employees’ Unions (OTOE) to start negotiations aimed at culminating in the signing of a collective labor contract.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to have talks with General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) President Yiannis Panagopoulos ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair. Economy and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Labor Minister Savvas Tsitouridis are also due to attend the meeting.

The 15th annual conference on European Access Networks starts at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki. The social role of universities is the theme of the conference. To Sunday.

The 9th Information Security Conference begins on Samos. Topics include foundations of computer security, database and system security, as well as identity and trust management. To Saturday.

The Municipality of Rhodes holds a press conference at the Benaki Museum in Athens about its bid for the island to become the next Cultural Capital of Europe. The press conference is due to start at 12.30 p.m. For more information, tel 22410.46324

Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis arrives in Melbourne, Australia. During his stay, he is to meet with Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and Lord Mayor of Melbourne John So. Kassimis is also to meet with officials from the Greek community in Melbourne.

The 1st International Conference on Accounting and Finance begins at the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki. Topics include market microstructure, international finance and international accounting. To Friday.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is to meet with the president of the main civil servants’ union (ADEDY), Spyros Papaspyros, in the presence of Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

The third festival of Earth and Culture in Crete begins in Hania. The festival aims at promoting the natural richness and products of the region as well as the local culture. To Sunday.