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Greek workers have staged strikes across the country to protest labor reforms proposed by the government in exchange for an EU and IMF bailout.
Greece transport and healthcare workers went on strike on Wednesday to protest the government's proposed austerity measures aimed to liberalize the labor market, DPA reported.
The proposed austerity measures are part of an EU-IMF 110-billion-euro (150-billion-dollar) emergency loan package.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) helped to organize a mass demonstration outside the EU Offices in Athens.
National rail workers staged a three-day series of strikes starting from September 27, disrupting rail transport not only in Greece, but also between other countries.
Bus, trolley, tram and metro workers in Athens also held rolling strikes throughout the day, The Sofia Echo reported.
Meanwhile, doctors at state hospitals called a 24-hour strike and refused to visit any patients. Pharmacists in Pireaus also joined in the strikes.
Most of Greece's trade unions participated in the walkouts, which coincides with the European Day of Action against European governments' widespread austerity measures, the Greek Reporter said.
While a general strike was launched in Spain on Wednesday, countries including Portugal, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Serbia, Romania, Poland, Ireland and France also staged similar protests.
In Brussels, home of the European Parliament, more than 100,000 workers are expected to attend a mass demonstration.
"The people of Europe are protesting against high prices, against increased unemployment, against anti-social rights that the European leaders are imposing. We are asking for better days, for greater work, better times to come for workers, for pensioners for the unemployed, for all social classes," said GSEE General Secretary Vangelis Bouzoulas.
ADEDY has called for another 24-hour strike on October 7.
LF/PKH/MMN
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