Strike brings Greece to a halt

Protesters thronged the streets of Athens

Much of Greece ground to a halt on Thursday as unions held a 24-hour general strike in protest at deeply unpopular pension reform plans.

We will not bow - we will go on to achieve what's best for all the people

Christos Polyzogopoulos union leader

Orthodox priests joined transport workers, journalists and teachers teachers in the walkout.

Public transport in Athens and other cities ground to a halt as tens of thousands of protesters gathered to demonstrate.

Most of the flights were cancelled and ships destined for the islands remained in their harbours.

News broadcasts were brought to a halt and Friday's newsstands will remain empty.

Children remained at home as schools were closed.

Further chaos is expected as unions called for another strike on 1 May.

Government climbdown

A last-minute attempt by the employment minister to avert the strike has only increased confusion about the government's plans.

Even Orthodox priests joined the strike

Last week, the government proposed changes aimed at preventing pension funds from going bankrupt.

These included cuts in pensions and raising the retirement age to 65. At the moment, some women can retire and receive state benefit as early as 55.

But shortly before the strike went ahead, Employment Minister Tasos Yannitsis offered to freeze the plans and hold discussions with unions.

Despite the offer, around 20,000 people marched in Athens waving banners proclaiming "No to pensions of death".

"We will not bow. We will go on to achieve what's best for all the people," said Christos Polyzogopoulos, president of the umbrella union which organised the strike.

But Mr Yannitsis claims the public deficit from social security spending is set to rise to 3.3% of GDP unless the system is reformed.