国际英语新闻:Greek students march for more funding, seamen strike against pension cuts

ATHENS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A new round of protests and strikes started on Monday in Greece ahead of the voting on the next set of bailout prerequisites in the parliament later in the week to unlock further vital loans to the debt-laden economy.

About 2,000 students from public high schools, according to police estimates, held a rally in central Athens to protest against shortages of teachers and books, while similar protests were organized in other cities nationwide.

"We want better learning conditions," read banners waved by students who were joined by teachers.

The march ended in minor scuffles between a group of youth with police in front of the parliament building, when protesters started pelting rocks against bank branches and stores.

Meanwhile, ships remained docked in ports across the country, as the National Seamen's Federation (PNO) declared a 48-hour "warning" strike for Monday and Tuesday to protest a new wave of planned pensions cuts and changes in working conditions linked with the third bailout.

Seamen have warned that they intend to continue mobilizations until their demands are met. On Nov. 12, the PNO will participate in the 24-hour general strike called by the umbrella trade unions of civil servants and private sector employees.

The government argued that the implementation of austerity and reform measures after rounds of similar tough policies since 2010 were the only way to ensure that Greece stays afloat with creditor support.

Recession-hit Greeks have resumed protests and strikes, demanding alternative solutions to revive the economy within the euro zone.