Traffic chaos as strikes hit Athens

Greek transport workers have been staging strikes and work stoppages, disrupting domestic flights and traffic in Athens.

Staff at Olympic Airways held a 24-hour strike against Government plans to privatise the Greek national carrier. The company said nine domestic flights would be cancelled but that international services would not be affected.

Workers at the state-run national railway and Athens' transit services have also staged protests in support of their colleagues at Olympic with morning work stoppages lasting up to four hours.

Traffic in Athens was also affected by tour bus drivers who have launched an indefinite strike to press separate demands and lined their vehicles along the capital's main road arteries.

Scores of tourist excursions were cancelled as a result of the strikes. Tour buses are also used to transport workers and students to hundreds of factories and private schools.