[beonecenry]

Multiple strikes over new tax 'cripple' Athens
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:02:56 GMT

Strikes over government-proposed taxes to help rein in Greece's burgeoning public debt have taken on new dimensions as more workers join the walkouts.

Taxi drivers and gas station workers are the latest groups to join strikes in Athens after doctors' strike yesterday in protest against the government's payments and benefits cuts and new taxes.

The drivers are protesting against new tax proposals, due to become law imminently, which will require them to issue receipts and pay tax on their income, while gas station workers say higher taxes are driving their customers into neighboring Bulgaria for cheaper gas, local media reported.

A strike by doctors is also reportedly spreading to other parts of the country, with “many” hospitals in the capital operating with emergencies staffs only.

Power cuts have also been reported as employees of the country's power sector went on strike over salary cuts and freezes on employment, the United Press International (UPI) reported.

Radio technicians are also reportedly planning a day-long walkout today.

The Greek government says the so-called austerity measures to curb the financial crisis are being enforced in an attempt to reduce the budget deficit from 12.7 to 8.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

GHN/ZAP/DT