Greek strikes cause travel chaos
13/12/2007Greece's travel infrastructure has been plunged into chaos as a result of widespread strikes by workers.
Industrial action on December 12th led to all flights from Athens airport being halted and public transport services grinding to a halt, making travel insurance a necessity for some stranded holidaymakers.
Ferries scheduled to carry travellers across the popular Aegean islands were also called off, Reuters reports.
Efstathios Anestis of umbrella workers' union GSEE told the news agency: "Thousands of citizens will be on the streets, almost no public or private sector service will operate.
"Participation is almost total. There is overwhelming outrage and condemnation at the government's policies."
The strikes were prompted by the Greek government's plans to reform the country's pension system.
One company involved in the action was Olympic Airways, Greece's state airline, which flies to Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow in the UK.