Greece grinds to near halt in 48-hour general strike

[rooster59]

Greece grinds to near halt in 48-hour general strike

By Sarah Joanne Taylor | With REUTERS, NEWSWEEK



Greece has ground to a near halt with the start of a 48-hour general strike on Friday morning (May 6).

The country’s largest private and public sector unions called for action to protest against strict austerity conditions imposed by Greece’s international creditors in return for a multi-billion-euro bailout.

Tax and pension reforms have been described by the private sector GSEE union as the “last nail in the coffin.”

Pensioner Konstantinos Andreopoulos was not optimistic about the outcome of the strike.

“Everything the unions are doing now is to justify their existence. Absolutely nothing will change. And those who came to power after 50 years will not risk their seats. They’re not stupid. They will do anything, even sell their souls to the devil.”

Greek politicians are due to vote on the austerity measures on Sunday (May 8) in parliament. It’s hoped the terms will help persuade Greece’s lenders to approve the release of bailout money.

The GSEE will continue to strike on Sunday, while demonstrations are also expected during the May Day festivities, postponed by a week so as not to clash with the Orthodox Easter.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-05-07

[joebrown]

If ever a good reason was needed to never allow Turkey into the EU, then take a look at the Greeks, who'll soon be back 'cap in hand' pleading poverty.

[SOTIRIOS]

....the birthplace of democracy.....

...fast-forward to..... 'modern government'.....

[reggaebkk]

All world countries have to follow the Islandic model: jail all bankers and speculators. They showed us the way but were too busy drooling on facebook. Humqnity is going to <deleted> via selfies and cute dogs videos.

[shirtless]

They should all be working , Greece you need to pay your bills , you have lived high on the hog on every body elses money , for to long .

[Thaiwine]

Genral strike = everyone stops working

Will anyone notice the diffrence

[Thaddeus]

Strike?

Oversleep, long lunch and an afternoon nap.

[Ulic]

Time for Greece to go. Write off their debt, you are never getting it paid back anyway. They

will have there own currency, printing presses and collect taxes or do not. They can devalue

the 50-60% necessary. Much more if they want. Use tariffs on Greek goods to pay for

boarder controls to keep migrants out.