Transport strike hits Greek capital

A public transport strike is causing traffic hold-ups in Athens as workers protest against government austerity measures meant to ensure that Greece qualifies for bailout loans to prevent it from defaulting on its debts.

The strike is the latest in a series of labour actions as the government struggles to persuade its international debt inspectors to sign off an eight billion euro (£6.9 billion) instalment in its 110 billion euro (£94.5 billion) bailout package from other eurozone countries and the International Monetary Fund.

Municipal workers have also been on strike, leaving rubbish uncollected on many streets of Athens.