Athens University staff extend strike into next week but allow access to premises

Administrative staff at Athens University on Friday decided to extend their protracted strike into a 15th week in protest at a government overhaul of the civil service, calling two rolling 24-hour walkouts from next Monday.

Despite their decision to continue with their strike, however, the employees said they would no longer block access to the university premises, meaning that lessons will be able to resume in full from Monday, in line with a ruling by the university’s senate.

The staff have sought guarantees from Education Minister Constantinos Arvanitopoulos regarding the fate of employees who have been put into a labor mobility scheme where they get a reduced wage ahead of their transfer or dismissal. Protesters want to know how many staff will be able to return to their posts and when.