Strikes bring Athens to a halt

Strikes brought public transport in Athens to a halt today as unions protested against austerity measures.

Strikes brought public transport in Athens to a halt today as unions protested against austerity measures.

Commuters pooled cars and taxis to get to work as the 24-hour strike stopped all state-run urban transport services.

A general strike tomorrow is set to ground flights, close schools and disrupt services.

The latest action is in reaction to a shake-up of Greek employment rules that includes fresh pay cuts and involuntary staff transfers in the public sector.

Parliament is due to pass the legislation today. Government officials say the overhaul is required to continue receiving loans from a €110 billion international bailout fund.