Athens, Feb 20 .- The Acropolis and other iconic archaeological sites throughout Greece were closed to the public on Monday due to a 24-hour strike called by a union of state-employed security guards.

The Panhellenic Union of Employees for the Guarding of Antiquities (PEYFA) said in a statement that the striking workers were seeking overtime pay and the hiring of additional staff.

"We hope these problems, that have no fiscal impact, can be dealt with so that the Easter holidays and tourism season can start without any problems at museums and ancient sites," read PEYFA's statement.

The strike is set to impede access to the emblematic citadel of the Acropolis, which contains the remains of the Parthenon and the temple of Athena Nike, both of which date back to the 5th century BC, when the military and cultural might of the city-state of Athens was at its peak.

Greece's culture ministry on Sunday requested the union call off the strike by pointing to a government program to hire 200 additional guards and promised to meet with union representatives on Monday. (EFE)