Greek ministry taking on more cleaners despite rehires

A decision by Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos to provide part-time work for 165 cleaners caused raised eyebrows on Monday as it came just a few weeks after the government rehired dozens of cleaners who had been sacked by the previous, New Democracy-led administration.

The government advertised for 54 positions at the Finance Ministry and another 111 at tax and customs offices.

The pay for four hours of work a day is 484.81 gross, or around 325 euros net.

Questions have been raised about the move not only because the government recently rehired the previous cleaners on permanent contracts but also because last week it transferred 17 Finance Ministry cleaners to the Justice Ministry so they could work as court clerks.