Private trash collectors start cleaning Athens

Rubbish collectors from private companies have begun the Herculean task of clearing the streets of Athens from the thousands of tons of trash piled up after almost two weeks of industrial action by local authority employees.

The process began late on Friday, with rubbish collectors being escorted by police in order to ensure they would not be attacked by the striking employees.

However the landfill at Fyli, northwestern Attica, remains occupied by the workers on strike.

Local authority employees continue their industrial action over the weekend and will also participate in the 48-hour general strike on Wednesday and Thursday.