General Strike Hits Greece As Political Leaders Seek Deal

Demonstrators from the communist-affiliated trade union PAME march to parliament in protest against the new austerity measures in Athens on February 7.

A 24-hour general strike is under way in Greece, as workers protest austerity measures being imposed to prevent the country from going bankrupt.

Reports say work at schools, government ministries, hospitals, and banks was markedly reduced, while buses and subways were delayed in Athens.

Air travel was expected to be unaffected by the work stoppage.

The strike came as Greek political leaders were due to meet for the third day in a bid to agree on reforms in order to secure a further 130 billion euro ($170 billion) bailout.

The European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank have made further spending cuts, labor market reforms, and bank rescues a condition of extending the new bailout.

Reports say Greece could default as early as March 20 without the new bailout.

Compiled from agency reports