Greece paralysed by general strike

Thursday, 6th May 2010

Workers upset with proposed austerity measures have halted transport across Greece. Public-sector employees started a 48-hour strike on Tuesday. Transport workers have now joined them, leaving planes grounded, trains halted and ferries tied up at docksides.

The Greek economy is in a dire condition. The government plans higher taxes and swingeing cuts to spending in return for the €110-billion bail-out package recently agreed by Europe and the International Monetary Fund. The Greek Parliament is due to vote on the austerity measures later this week.

Workers are unhappy about the planned measures, which include higher taxes, lower pensions and a halt on wage increases. The general strike was preceded by clashes between police and protesters. On Tuesday, some 100 demonstrators from the Greek Communist Party broke through gates at the Acropolis to hang banners that read, “Peoples of Europe – Rise Up.”

Elsewhere, pensioners held a demonstration against pension cuts in central Athens. Teachers upset about staffing and pay cuts invaded a television station and rallied on-air. Outside Parliament, stone-throwing protesters scuffled with police, who responded with stun grenades, pepper spray and tear gas.

Services and transport across Greece have ground to a halt. There are no flights in or out. No trains or ferries are running. Schools and hospitals are closed, as are many offices.

← Rise in ‘staycations’ fails to save UK hotel biz
→ Parties scramble to set coalition terms
↑ May 2010 news index

Compare Airport Parking & Hotels