Greek public sector workers strike against EU/IMF reforms

Greek public-sector workers went on strike on Thursday to protest labour and pension reforms and state asset sales which the government agreed with the country's official creditors in exchange for loans.

State hospital doctors, school teachers and municipality workers joined the nationwide strike called by Greece's main public sector union ADEDY. Ships remained docked at ports as part of a separate 24-hour walkout called by seamen.

"Workers and the poor are always the ones to pay the cost of the crisis," ADEDY said in a statement.

Striking workers and pensioners were expected to rally in central Athens later in the day. Participation in labour action has been low in recent years.

The seven-year economic crisis and an austerity-induced recession have driven thousands out of work and squeezed wages.

ADEDY's walkout is a prelude to a...