Greek Reform Protesters, Police Clash

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Protesters from a communist-backed union have clashed with police during a demonstration in Athens against social security reforms. The changes are part of Greece's new bailout program and would significantly increase contributions workers have to pay into the funds.

Protesters from among the roughly 2,000-strong demonstration scuffled with police outside Parliament on Friday and broke through a police cordon before heading toward the prime minister's office building nearby.

The social security reform has been highly contentious. Greece's social security and pension fund system has been ailing for decades, but overhauling the system has been fraught with problems. The current government says it is aiming to increase workers' contributions rather than cutting pensions, but the changes could lead to significant cuts in pay for workers in many sectors.

(KA)