An urgent investigation ordered by the Piraeus Public Prosecutor’s Office is currently underway, following serious allegations by the Piraeus Teachers« Union (ELME) regarding dangerous conditions in school buildings in the area. The allegations concern both schools in Nikaia, such as the 3rd General Lyceum of Nikaia, and schools in Salamina, where the situation is described by the educational community as »tragic and dangerous.”.
The prosecutor’s investigation began following a decision by the Board of Directors of the Piraeus Teachers’ Union (ELME), which submitted relevant reports to the judicial authorities. In this context, the president and the general secretary of ELME gave statements at the Nikaia Police Station on January 30, 2025.
A Disheartening Picture and Constant Complaints
What is characteristic of the situation is that on the very same day the statements were made, the Piraeus Teachers’ Union filed a new complaint, this time regarding the schools on Salamis, which are facing serious safety and infrastructure problems. For example, just one day later, on January 31, a window weighing several kilograms came loose and fell into a classroom at the 3rd Junior High School of Salamina from a height of over three meters. Fortunately, because it was the Three Hierarchs holiday, the students were not in the classroom, thus avoiding a potential injury.
“Enough is enough!” – Reactions from Teachers and Parents
Teachers complain that the government systematically neglects the maintenance of school infrastructure, thereby endangering the safety of students and teachers. The Piraeus Teachers’ Union (ELME) states:
“We will not tolerate anyone playing with the safety of students and teachers! We demand modern and safe schools for all children.”
Protest in Nice Over School Issues
At the same time, teachers, parents, and students are organizing a protest on Thursday, February 6, at 1:30 p.m., at the Nikaia City Hall, demanding an immediate increase in funding and measures to ensure the safety of school buildings. The rally is being organized by the Union of Parents“ and Guardians” Associations of the Municipality of Nikaia – A.I. Renti, the Primary Education Teachers’ Associations of Nikaia–Piraeus and Piraeus “Rigas Fereos,” as well as the Piraeus Teachers’ Union (ELME).
The organizers point out that the problem of underfunding has reached a critical point, with schools unable to meet basic operational needs. Although the government approved funding of 555,000 euros for the region’s 83 schools in the second half of 2024, only 41,500 euros reached the schools directly—an amount that school officials describe as “tragically inadequate.”.
Meeting with the Mayor – Calls for Immediate Solutions
As part of the protest, a meeting has been scheduled between representatives of parents and teachers and the Mayor of Nikaia. The teachers are demanding:
•An immediate increase in government funding for schools.
•Eliminating the red tape that delays the procurement of supplies and the maintenance of school facilities.
•Immediate repair of damage to school buildings and a clear plan to improve infrastructure.
The education community makes it clear that if immediate measures are not taken, the protests will escalate. As the organizers point out, “this situation cannot continue,” and they are demanding solutions before a serious accident occurs.
The matter is now under close scrutiny by the judiciary, as the prosecutor’s investigation is expected to reveal the responsibilities and omissions that have led to this dangerous situation.
