Transport strike hits Athens

Public transport in Athens ground to a halt today as workers walked off the job for five hours to protest against social security reforms that are part of the government’s efforts to pull Greece out of its debt crisis.

Bus, tram and trolley workers arranged the stoppage in a protest over salary cuts and the social security reforms. Metro workers also walked off the job for a second consecutive 24-hour strike in support of 285 contract workers whose contracts are expiring and face losing their jobs.