Greece hit by third general strike

Mar 11 2010

Public services and transport in debt-plagued 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 country's two largest unions.

Demonstrations are planned in Athens and other major cities.

The government said tough savings are the only way to dig Greece out of a crisis that hurt the common European currency.

Journalists, teachers, state hospital doctors and air traffic controllers are among those striking, while officers from the police, fire service and coast guard plan to join protest rallies.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is seeking assistance from fellow eurozone nations to make it cheaper to borrow funds on the international financial markets.

European Union leaders have pledged to help Greece, but have not outlined any concrete measures.