Greece hit by new general strike over austerity plan

Tourists were left stranded today as a fresh 24-hour general strike crippled Greece. Ferry services remained in harbour and nearly 100 domestic flights cancelled.

Riot police were on standby in the country's main port of Piraeus, where hundreds of members of a Communist Party-backed union attempted to prevent tourists and locals boarding ferries to Aegean islands.

Bus, metro and tram drivers walked out for several hours as the strike — in protest at planned pension and labour reforms — left hospitals operating with emergency staff and took all news broadcasts off air. International flights were operating normally.

The industrial action came as the Greek parliament debated austerity measures demanded by the International Monetary Fund and European Union.

They include cutting pensions, raising the retirement age and making it easier for companies to dismiss employees. The government is imposing the austerity measures in return for an £89 billion bail-out from the EU and IMF. The parliamentary debate is expected to last more than a week.

Protests during previous strikes have turned violent. Three bank employees died on May 5 when the building was set on fire by rioters.