Widespread strikes over austerity measures rattle Greece
Widespread strikes start today in Greece, rattling its government. The country's private and public sectors are taking part in a strike called by their unions, GSEE and ADEDY, respectively, in protest of austerity measures, tax hikes and labour reforms. "Workers and the poor are always the ones to pay the cost of the crisis", ADEDY said in a statement. Transport, health services and schools will be hit as doctors, teachers and municipality workers are among those striking, and ships remain docked at ports as part of a separate 24-hour walkout called by seamen.

Greek private and public sector workers were taking part in a strike called by their umbrella unions, GSEE and ADEDY, respectively, on Thursday. The industrial action, organized in protest to the government's plans for labor reforms and tax hikes, was expected to affect transport, health services and schools, among others.

Buses and trolley bus services were expected to run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while services on fixed track transport, namely the Athens metro, ISAP electric railway and tram, where expected to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be no metro or suburban train (Proastiakos) services to and from Athens International Airport on Thursday.

Ferries were set to remain docked at ports around the country until midnight as the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) joined the industrial action, while services were also halted on state railways operator Trainose.

Doctors at public hospitals, teachers and bank employees were also expected to walk off the job Thursday.

Meanwhile, GSEE and ADEDY have called on union members to join a rally at the Pedion tou Areos at 11 a.m.