Greece is expected to be gripped by 24-hour strike action on Thursday called by the Greece’s private sector Confederation of Greek Workers GSEE union and the public sector ADEDY group. The rallies and strikes are being held to protest against the austerity measures in the 2015 budget as well as against the new round of crippling measures that are being negotiated between the Greek government and the troika of Greece’s international creditors from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This is the 32nd panhellenic general strike that has paralyzed the country since 2010. The goal is to send the message that cash-strapped Greeks can no longer handle the austerity measures that have been imposed on the country.

WHO IS STRIKING?

* Public Utilities will be understaffed on Thursday and the Federation of Bank Employees Organizations (OTOE) is also joining the strike action, causing problems to bank transactions.

* Doctors and medical staff are also taking part in the strike to call for permanent staff to be hired. Hospitals will be shortstaffed and operate with the use of security personnel.

* Traders and merchants are joining the strike action to protest against lockages and excessive taxation.

* The strike will also affect the sectors of Education, Local Government, insurance fund, tax offices and town planning offices.

TRANSPORT

Buses and trolleys will only operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the metro system and Athens Piraeus-Kifissias line will only run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be no metro service to the Athens International Airport. Tram workers are striking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Greek air traffic controllers and the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation is also joining the strike causing problems with departures and arrivals of flights and ferry routes.

RALLIES

In Athens, the GSEE-ADEDY rally is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Klafthmonos Square and members from the All Workers Militant Front PAME are gathering at Omonoia at the same time. Main Opposition Coalition of the Left SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras is due to join the protest at Klafthmonos Square at around 11.30 a.m.

In Thessaloniki, the Korai Street Paved road will be the meeting spot of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals Craftsmen and Merchants GSEVEE union whereas the Business Chamber of Thessaloniki is gathering at Aristotelous Square at 10.30 a.m.