The 24-hour action caused some disruption to public transport and reduced staffing at hospitals.

 

Organisers are demanding an end to spending cuts and tax rises, which the government says are needed to lead Greece out of six years of recession. 

 

But a BBC reporter says the protests so far have been the smallest for months.

 

The cabinet of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras says the policies are part of continuing moves to ensure more bailout money from international creditors¹.

 

 

The 24-hour strike officially began at midnight. Trains and ferries were brought to a standstill, and other public transport was disrupted.

 

However, many shops stayed open as the Labour Day public holiday was moved to next Tuesday - after Greek Orthodox Easter.

 

In Athens, hundreds of people rallied outside parliament in Syntagma Square, waving flags and banners.

 

Pensioner² Antonis Mosiadis said politicians should listen to the people.

 

"The fight continues and it will continue. They have gone deaf over there [in parliament] and if we do not continue this fight, soon they will destroy us," he said.

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