Labour strike to shut down Athens Acropolis in July

ATHENS, July 12 (Reuters) Strikes by Greek archaeological guards will shut down the Athens Acropolis, the country's most visited monument, twice in the month of July, their union said today.

Thousands of visitors climb the steep marble steps every week to visit the Parthenon temple and other ancient Greek architectural wonders, whose gates will be shut on July 14-15 and again on July 21-24.

Union officials said the move was aimed at pressing the Culture Ministry to satisfy their demands on working conditions and pay.

''Given that despite assurances, no response has been given to our demands, we decided to go on strike,'' the Greek Archaeological Guards Union said in a statement.

The guards want better pay for night duty and for working six days a week, among other demands.

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