Hotel workers in the Greek capital Athens yesterday reportedly threatened to go on strike during the Olympic Games, just days after taxi drivers said they would forcibly remove VIP passengers from their official cars.
The Guardian today reports that hotel workers, who are hoping for improved pay and job conditions, clashed with Athens police in the city centre yesterday, creating fears that the August sporting event could be severely disrupted by industrial action.
The newspaper states that the city’s taxi drivers, who had hoped to significantly increase their earnings during the Games, are especially angered at plans to transport VIPs in official “Athens 2004” vehicles.
One taxi union leader is quoted as saying: “In such circumstances we should take to the streets and get the passengers out of any Athens 2004 vehicle we see.”
Ambulance drivers, firefighters, police and hospital workers have all reportedly threatened industrial action in recent weeks.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
