Public services across Greece were disrupted on Wednesday as civil servants launched a 48-hour walkout to protest the government’s decision to cut jobs as part of its bailout commitments.
Secondary school teachers, who launched a five-day walkout on Monday, were joined by their peers as primary school and universities remained closed. State hospitals were only treating emergency cases after doctors walked out.
Lawyers, rubbish collectors and social security staff also joined the strike action.
Suburban rail transport, namely to Athens’ International airport, will be suspended for several hours beginning at noon as workers walk off the job. Flights are expected to operate as normal.
The government plans to suspend 25,000 public servants this year, and to fire 15,000 by the end of 2014.
Protest rallies are planned for central Athens later in the day.