Greek schools face two days of protests on October 20 and 21 as teachers prepare to strike, students organize demonstrations and education groups demand better funding, safer buildings and improved school conditions.
The mobilization began on Tuesday, October 20, with student groups gathering in central Athens. It is expected to culminate on Wednesday with a nationwide education rally and industrial action by teachers.
In Athens, the main rally is scheduled for noon at Propylaia, near the University of Athens. Organizers have also announced gatherings in Thessaloniki and other cities.
The protests bring together groups with different demands, from better-resourced public schools to lower costs for university students.
Teachers Announce Strike and Work Stoppages
The Greek Primary Education Teachers’ Federation (DOE) has called a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, October 21. The action covers primary education, including kindergartens and elementary schools, where teachers choose to participate.
The Federation of Secondary Education State School Teachers (OLME) has announced a work stoppage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It has also urged local teachers’ unions to consider additional action earlier in the day.
Teachers cite staff shortages, inadequate funding and difficult working conditions. Their demands include permanent appointments, improved school facilities and sufficient resources to meet students’ educational needs.
The unions also oppose measures they say increase class sizes or place further pressure on teachers and pupils.
The impact will vary by school and region. Parents should contact their children’s schools directly to confirm whether classes will take place and whether schedules will change.
Students Plan Demonstrations and School Occupations
Student groups have called for assemblies, class absences and school occupations as part of Wednesday’s mobilization. Their demands include better-funded schools, safer buildings, less crowded classrooms and lower costs for school activities and university studies.
Students have also raised concerns about school trips, transport, canteen prices and access to educational resources.
In Athens, university student groups have planned activities in Syntagma Square on Tuesday before joining Wednesday’s rally at Propylaia.
Each school’s situation depends on local student decisions and teacher participation in the announced industrial action.
School Safety and Funding Remain Key Issues
The mobilization has brought renewed attention to school building safety, staffing and the resources available to maintain public education.
Teachers’ representatives are calling for adequate funding, more permanent staff and improvements to school facilities. Student groups have voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the need for safer buildings and better access to educational resources.
The protests come several weeks into the academic year, as schools continue to face staffing and infrastructure challenges.
The two days of mobilization highlight the pressures facing Greece’s public education system, from teachers’ working conditions to the cost and quality of education for students.
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