Protesters block Acropolis from tourists

Tourists were barred from entry to the Acropolis of Athens on Wednesday as the Greek culture workers' strike gains pace. Athens' most popular tourist site was closed, while the railway workers' strike was disrupting train services.

It is unclear how long culture ministry workers, who are demanding permanent contracts in place of temporary ones, will keep up blockade of the Acropolis.

Rail workers suspended work for nine hours on Wednesday, demanding that the government abolished privatization plans which are bound to lead to mass layoffs in the loss-making rail industry.