Thousands of Greek teachers protest
- 11 years ago
Thousands of Greek high school teachers take to the streets in Athens.
They have been threatened with arrest if they proceed with a planned strike later in the week.
The strike would affect university entrance exams.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER KAITY THOMAI, SAYING:
"It is illegal and unconstitutional. Based on the constitution, since 1975 it is every workers personal right to strike, throughout the entire modern world."
The government plans to invoke emergency legislation that forces strikers to return to work or face arrest.
But protesters were clear in their message, " Disobey and strike" they chanted outside parliament.
The teachers are also protesting against plans to extend their working hours by an extra two hours a week and the transfer of 4000 teachers around Greece to fill staffing holes.
The transfers they say will split families.
The emergency legislation has been used twice by the 11-month old government.
They have been threatened with arrest if they proceed with a planned strike later in the week.
The strike would affect university entrance exams.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER KAITY THOMAI, SAYING:
"It is illegal and unconstitutional. Based on the constitution, since 1975 it is every workers personal right to strike, throughout the entire modern world."
The government plans to invoke emergency legislation that forces strikers to return to work or face arrest.
But protesters were clear in their message, " Disobey and strike" they chanted outside parliament.
The teachers are also protesting against plans to extend their working hours by an extra two hours a week and the transfer of 4000 teachers around Greece to fill staffing holes.
The transfers they say will split families.
The emergency legislation has been used twice by the 11-month old government.