Greek unions to protest austerity cuts

Greek workers plan to hold their first major anti-austerity strike since a coalition government took office in June.

Aljazeera reports that since June, the government has grounded flights, has disrupted transport, and shut down public service offices.

The upcoming strike has been called Grece’s two biggest unions, which represent half of the Greek workforce.

Authorities have deployed about three thousand police officers in prevention of possible riots.

The bulk of the cuts that are protested against are expected to come from slashed wages, pensions and welfare benefits.

A survey by the MRB polling agency last week showed that more than 90 per cent of Greeks believe the planned cuts are unfair and burden the poor.

With Greece facing certain bankruptcy and a potential euro zone exit without further aid, Samaras' government has little choice but to push through the unpopular measures.

Greece is now in its fifth year of recession, with no light at the end of the austerity tunnel.