Greek unions stage 24-hour general strike to stop social welfare cuts

GREEK trade unions have staged a 24-hour strike after violent anti-austerity demonstrations in Spain and Portugal broke out earlier this week.

The 24-hour walkout by Greek workers, including doctors, teachers and air traffic controllers brought the country to a halt and has already led to clashes between protesters and the police prompting teargas volleys.

To receive further European Union and International Monetary Fund bailout funds, the Greek government must cut EUR11.5 billion (US$15 billion), reported London's Containerisation International.

Ninety per cent of population say the new cuts are too harsh, especially when the social welfare budget cuts are taking in a situation of high unemployment.