ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek tax collectors and taxi owners have started two-day strikes to protest austerity measures and market reforms aimed at keeping the cash-strapped country solvent.
Monday's strikes come amid increasing market alarm over the Greek government's efforts to save the rapidly contracting economy, and a day after a new blanket property tax was imposed.
The Socialist government claims the new belt-tightening — after 20 months of austerity — was dictated by revenue shortfalls that are threatening the country's vital international bailout program.
Revenue-collecting tax and customs workers are angry at cuts in their bonus pay, while taxi drivers object to the abolition of protective licensing restrictions. Taxi owners also held a disruptive strike for weeks in July, blockading airports and harbours.
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