Ferries and other public transport stopped, and state carrier Olympic Airways severely trimmed its flight schedule. Schools and government offices were closed and journalists participated, forcing television and radio stations to cancel all newscasts and current affairs programs. Most tourist sites, including the Acropolis, were shut. Even Greek Orthodox priests, who are technically civil servants, stayed away from their duties. The 24-hour strike went ahead, despite a government retreat late Wednesday.
Officials now say all options to reform the pension system are open for discussion.
Last week, the Socialist government outlined sweeping proposals it says are necessary to prevent many pension funds for going bankrupt. The measures include pension cuts and an increase in the minimum retirement age to 65. Under the current system, some women with children can receive state retirement benefits as early as 55 years old. Greece's powerful unions immediately rejected the steps and forced the government into an embarrassing reversal. Some critics assailed Premier Costas Simitis for caving into labor interests at a time when Greece is facing a budget crisis over funding for social programs and rising costs for the 2004 Olympics.