The nationwide association of museum guards has announced its decision to not participate in any events outside working hours, starting with the annual August Full Moon events.

In 2010 the association decided to voluntarily work on the night of the August Full Moon, allowing Greeks and visitors to enjoy the night sky in Athens, based on the Ministry of Culture’s promise to address their payment issues.

The association’s decision came yesterday due to the Ministry’s failure address the payment issues, with many guards working without pay in hundreds of events across Greece.

In their statement, the guards note that the Ministry’s inability to find a solution to their problem results in the State missing out on revenue and employees not being paid for their work.