Christmas trash war kicks off
Piles of rubbish started to accumulate on the streets of Athens and other major cities yesterday, as garbage collectors joined in a two-day strike by municipal workers that could stretch into yet another open-ended action ahead of the Christmas holidays. Representatives of the nationwide union of municipal employees – which is seeking a minimum 1,300-euro salary for its members, as well as higher bonuses and benefits – are due to discuss their demands today with Interior Minister Procopis Pavlopoulos. If the talks prove fruitless, the strike will continue over the weekend, with a new two-day action expected from Monday. Trash collectors strike almost every year ahead of Christmas. The municipal workers’ union will organize a demonstration from Karaiskaki Square to Klafthmonos Square in central Athens today.
