National Bank workers call for police presence at open branches

The Greek Finance Ministry says it has posted on its Web page a list of about 1,000 branches of five banks which will open for three days from Wednesday for pensioners without bank cards, who will be able to make a one-time withdrawal of a maximum 120 euros for the week. However, the Web page was down on Tuesday afternoon.

The employees' association of the National Bank of Greece, which is one of the five, has called on authorities to ensure the banks have adequate police protection.

"The conditions that have developed make an essential requirement, for the operation of branches, for there to be sufficient police presence," the association said in a statement.

"For the avoidance of tension, friction and recrimination, there must be detailed and clear instructions about the transactions and every effort must be made to resolve the various problems that will arise during the transactions."

[AP]