Teachers to Stage Work Stoppage to Protest Onassis Schools

Teachers protest the Onassis Schools initiative, warning of privatization and the displacement of students and educators.

15.02.2025 09:45

Society

Newsroom

Teachers to Stage Work Stoppage to Protest Onassis Schools

Demonstration by teachers and students, in Athens, on June 11, 2020.

15.02.2025 09:45

Society

Newsroom

Teachers protest the Onassis Schools initiative, warning of privatization and the displacement of students and educators.

The Federation of Secondary Education Officials has announced a three-hour work stoppage on Monday, February 17, in protest against the establishment of “Onassis Schools.” Teachers will halt work from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a central protest demonstration scheduled for 1:00 PM at Syntagma Square in Athens.

Onassis Public Schools introduce a new model for select public schools in Greece through a partnership between the Greek Ministry of Education and the Onassis Foundation. While operating under the Ministry’s authority, these schools will receive financial and infrastructural support from the foundation. According to the Onassis Foundation, their goal is to offer “high-quality free public education” and promote “the formation of integrated citizens.”

The controversial agreement between the Greek Ministry of Education and the Onassis Foundation passed at the end of January outlined the creation of 22 Onassis Public Schools—11 middle schools and 11 high schools—in economically disadvantaged areas.

The Federation of Secondary Education Officials has been vocal in its opposition to the conversion of public schools into Onassis Public Schools, arguing that the initiative threatens the integrity of neighborhood schools by displacing students and teachers. The federation warns that this shift could undermine public education, increase privatization, and elide state accountability.

The Federation of Secondary Education Officials has been meeting with political parties to raise concerns about the long-term impact of these schools. The federation has so far held discussions with representatives from communist party KKE, left-wing SYRIZA, far-right Niki, and the New Left, who have expressed support for the teachers’ demands.

This latest work stoppage follows a series of protests, including a rally outside Parliament on January 28, when lawmakers voted on the Ministry of Education’s bill regarding the Onassis Schools. Local teacher associations, including Kozani’s ELME and educators from the 3rd General Lyceum, have also staged demonstrations calling for greater transparency and consultation.

The Federation of Secondary Education Officials has pledged to continue mobilizations against what it sees as the privatization of public education, urging teachers across Greece to participate in Monday’s protests.