Greek educators extend strike action in protest against further spending cuts

Greek educators extend strike action in protest against further spending cuts, a photo by Teacher Dude's BBQ on Flickr.

More than 15,000 Greek teachers, students and supporters took to the streets of the northern port city of Thessaloniki today in protest against further cuts in jobs and funding for the country's beleagured educational system.

With thousands facing lay off or enforced transfer to other districts, teachers and other public sector employees are now striking for a second days running.

Tensions ran high when riot police units blocked roads so preventing marchers from approaching the local offices of the neonazi Golden Dawn party.

After last night's fatal stabbing of left wing singer and activist Pavlos Fyssas by Golden Dawn member political passions are running high and tonight's nationwide series of anti-fascist demonstrations are likely to see clashes between protesters and the police.