Greek unions in first general strike against Alexis Tsipras govt

Athens: Greek unions Thursday kicked off a general strike against fresh austerity cuts, the first under the leftist government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

The 24-hour strike against tax hikes and an upcoming pensions overhaul has shut down public services, hit ship and train transport and forced the cancellation of dozens of domestic flights.

"We are fighting against government measures that perpetuate medieval labour relations ... We react to any austerity measure that downgrades our lives," said leading union GSEE.

Hospitals today will operate with just emergency staff and museums and archaeological sites are closed.

Journalists are also participating in the 24-hour walkout.

Street protests will be held in Athens from 0200 IST.

The mobilisation was being held as senior representatives of the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the IMF and the European stability fund are holding a review of reforms pledged under the country's third bailout.

Greece in July accepted a three-year, 86-billion-euro (USD 93-billion) EU bailout that saved it from crashing out of the eurozone, but came with strict conditions.

Athens has since adopted a number of unpopular reforms but is now under creditor pressure to facilitate home loan foreclosures.

The Greek government insists on maintaining a safety net for more vulnerable households.