Greece hit by third general strike in a month

11.03.2010 (15:18)

Public services and transport in Greece have ground to a halt as workers stage a third general strike in protest at the government's austerity measures.

Flights are grounded, and schools and hospitals closed in the 24-hour walk-out called by the two largest unions.
Protesters and police clashed during a march in central Athens, with reports of tear gas being used.

The government says it sympathises with public anger over tax rises and wage cuts but is refusing to back down.

Strikes and violent demonstrations have erupted since the measures were announced last month.

In the latest action, air traffic controllers have closed the country's airspace for 24 hours and ferries are stuck in harbours as maritime unions join the strike.

Officers from the police, fire and customs services are also due to join the street protests.

Buses and trams will not operate in Athens or the second city of Thessaloniki throughout the day. Hospitals will deal only with emergencies, and news broadcasts have been suspended because journalists are on strike.

The measures came on top of the government's initial 11.2bn-euro ($15.2bn) austerity plan.

Another general strike has been called for 16 March.

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