Athens city police stage mock funeral to protest Greek public sector job cuts

ATHENS, Greece – Hundreds of striking Greek city workers are marching through Athens to protest public sector job cuts that the government must make to continue receiving international bailout funds.

About 500 protesters, many wearing black, marched Monday behind a hearse bearing a coffin symbolizing the demise of the municipal police, which is being disbanded as part of plans to trim Greece's bloated public sector. About 12,500 civil servants are being suspended on partial pay and face losing their jobs.

Other strikes are looming. Unions have declared a general strike for Tuesday. Civil servants will also strike Wednesday.

Greece has been dependent on rescue loans from other European countries and the International Monetary Fund since May 2010.