The number of miners descending into underground shafts in protest against the abrupt Tsipras’ government decision to shut down operations of the Skouries mines in Halkidiki, northern Greece, is increasing, as 50 more joined fellow-workers already there.

Meanwhile, miners from the Cassandra Mines have occupied the council building in the town of Arnaia, in a symbolic act of protest. Council employees have evacuated the building, while police are standing by discretely in case the protest gets out of hand. Other miners in Olympiada are continuing their protests in underground shafts for their right to continue to work. The 150 Olympiada miners have locked themselves 350 meters underground and demand that their private sector jobs be guaranteed. The conditions underground remain hazardous with high humidity and poor oxygen.

The company, Hellas Gold, said it had opened the main air ventilation system in the shafts. Miners have pledged to continue their actions until their struggle is vindicated. They also plan to start roadblocks.

The radical leftist government took the decision a day before PM Alexis Tsipras resigned his government and looked to snap elections. The move was savaged by the opposition, which referred to a pre-election “gift” to SYRIZA’s anti-capitalist and pro-environment supporters.