Greek unions stage anti-austerity strike

Unions in Greece have launched a 24-hour general strike against fresh austerity measures imposed by the government.

The leading Greek General Confederation of Greece (GSEE) union said on Thursday that the strike was in protest against tax hikes and an upcoming pension overhaul.

"We are fighting against government measures that perpetuate medieval labor relations ... we react to any austerity measure that downgrades our lives," the union said in a statement.

The strike has already led to the cancellation of dozens of domestic flights, and a shutdown of public services. Ship and train transport has also been affected.

Hospital workers, except emergency staff, and journalists are taking part in the industrial action. Reports say museums and archeological sites are also closed.

Protesters have also held a gathering in the capital, Athens.

The strike comes as the representatives of the country’s international creditors, namely the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are reviewing reforms regarding Athens’ third bailout.

In July, the government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras caved in to the demands of austerity cuts by creditors in order to receive a three-year 86-billion-euro (93-billion-dollar) bailout from the European Union (EU), aimed at avoiding bankruptcy and a possible exit from the eurozone.

The decision triggered outrage from Greeks, who argue Tsipras came to power in January with anti-austerity vows.

Tsipras has described the deal as a "painful compromise" and a "tactical retreat." 

Greece has already received two bailouts in 2010 and 2012, worth a total of 240 billion euros (272 billion dollars) from its creditors following the economic crisis in 2009.

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