Garbage Continues Piling Up In Athens

Fri., June 6, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

With piles of trash rotting under a scorching sun, authorities said Thursday they are considering steps to break a strike by garbage collectors.

The work stoppage, which began Monday, has left nearly 5,000 tons of uncollected rubbish around Athens, clogging narrow streets with smelly refuse and fouling tourist sites. Large piles of trash line the main road to the entrance of the Acropolis.

With temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, officials began worrying about health risks.

Strikers are demanding a pay increase and permanent work contracts for all part-time employees.

The deputy interior minister, Lambros Papadimas, wants Athens city authorities to declare the strike illegal. That would force workers to return to their jobs or face dismissal.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Garbage Continues Piling Up In Athens

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

U.S. destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran, official says

Gov. Gavin Newsom calls special election to fill Eric Swalwell’s seat

Democrats float 25th Amendment commission for Trump