Strike in Greece will affect airports

19 October 2011

PRIME Minister George Papandreou appealed for unity Monday as Greece braced for a 48-hour general strike timed to coincide with a vote on a package of austerity measures demanded by international lenders. Greece's two main unions, representing about half the 4 million-strong workforce, prepare for one of the biggest protests since the crisis began two years ago, likely to hit food and fuel supplies, disrupt transport and leave hospitals run by skeleton staff. The 48-hour general strike is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday to coincide with the vote in parliament, expected to take place in two stages on both days. The strike on Wednesday and Thursday will hit public sector institutions including tax offices, state schools and airports as well as banks and businesses ranging from taxis and clothes shops to suppliers of everyday staples like bakers.