Greek strike strands thousands of passengers

A one-day strike by Greek civil servants grounded about 600 domestic and international flights today, stranding thousands of passengers around the country.

The strike also closed all public schools, tax offices, public hospitals, the post office and some banks. The strike was called by the Union of Greek Civil Servants, or ADEDY, which is seeking higher wages and more benefits for employees in the public sector. Teachers were also to stay away from their jobs tomorrow.

“Participation in the strike seems to be very high, more than 70 percent in many parts of the public sector that are participating,” said ADEDY General Secretary Ilias Iliopoulos.

According to Athens International Airport, about 500 flights were cancelled today. Another 100 flights were cancelled around Greece. Most airlines rescheduled their flights and asked passengers to rebook.

A rally was planned by civil servants in central Athens later today to press their demands.

Employees in Greece’s broader public sector are thought to make up about one quarter of the country’s work force of about four million people.