Strikes a new worry for Athens

ATHENS, Greece -- Doctors do it. Journalists, too. Lawyers, cab drivers and even priests take part.

Strikes and labor protests in Greece come in just about every fashion. But a new one could be brewing: walkouts during the Summer Games that begin in two weeks.

Ambulance drivers, paramedics and hotel workers all announced "warning" work stoppages to demand Olympic bonuses and other pay hikes. The 11th-hour threats to the government and private employers are clear: Cough up the cash or risk embarrassing strikes during Athens' big moment.

The government is in an awkward spot.

It says it just can't afford any more bills with a runaway Olympic budget that could approach $12 billion. But it also doesn't want to issue emergency decrees that could trample on Greek workers' cherished right to protest.

"The strikes are justified," salesman Skefos Tsoukalis said. "But it's an entirely inappropriate time when we are the center of the world's attention."

Internet technician Marianthi Katsoulis, 28, is less sympathetic.

"Obviously they shouldn't be happening," she said. "It's bad timing. It shouldn't be done before or during the games."

The heart of the protests is the Olympic bonus. The government set the precedent by giving bonuses of up to $3,000 to police and other personnel providing Olympic security. Now, others are asking for the same -- especially since the Aug. 13 to 29 Olympics have canceled the traditional vacation month for civil servants and others.

But some say the one-time payoffs are still not enough.