Greece general strike: Unions act amid cuts debate

Gerald · 06-28-11, 01:22 AM

Trade unions in Greece have begun a 48-hour general strike, hours after PM George Papandreou urged parliament to back an austerity package.

Huge crowds of protesters are expected on the streets of Athens, while public transport is set to grind to a halt.

On Monday, Mr Papandreou said only his 28bn-euro (£25bn) austerity programme would get Greece back on its feet.

If the government loses, the EU and IMF could withhold 12bn euros of loans and Greece could run out of money in weeks.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said French banks are ready to offer new 30-year loans to Greece when its current debts fall due.

He said other European countries whose banks had lent money to Greece were considering the same model to help prevent a default. But the UK denied it was pressing banks to "take a haircut".

'Massacre'

More than 5,000 police officers are due to be deployed in the centre of Athens on Tuesday morning, when tens of thousands of striking workers are expected to march towards parliament at 1000 (0700 GMT).

The general strike will disrupt or halt most public services, with doctors, ambulance drivers, journalists and even state-funded actors taking part.

Airports will be shut for hours at a time, with air traffic controllers walking out between 0800 and 1200 (0500-0900 GMT) and 1800 and 2200 (1500-1900 GMT). Ferries, buses and trains will also stop running.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13935400

Note: 28 June 2011 Last updated at 00:27 GMT

06-28-11, 01:22 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Greece general strike: Unions act amid cuts debate Trade unions in Greece have begun a 48-hour general strike, hours after PM George Papandreou urged parliament to back an austerity package. Huge crowds of protesters are expected on the streets of Athens, while public transport is set to grind to a halt. On Monday, Mr Papandreou said only his 28bn-euro (£25bn) austerity programme would get Greece back on its feet. If the government loses, the EU and IMF could withhold 12bn euros of loans and Greece could run out of money in weeks. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said French banks are ready to offer new 30-year loans to Greece when its current debts fall due. He said other European countries whose banks had lent money to Greece were considering the same model to help prevent a default. But the UK denied it was pressing banks to "take a haircut". 'Massacre' More than 5,000 police officers are due to be deployed in the centre of Athens on Tuesday morning, when tens of thousands of striking workers are expected to march towards parliament at 1000 (0700 GMT). The general strike will disrupt or halt most public services, with doctors, ambulance drivers, journalists and even state-funded actors taking part. Airports will be shut for hours at a time, with air traffic controllers walking out between 0800 and 1200 (0500-0900 GMT) and 1800 and 2200 (1500-1900 GMT). Ferries, buses and trains will also stop running. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13935400 Note: 28 June 2011 Last updated at 00:27 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie