Greeks prepare for nationwide general strike

The stoppage is expected to hit everything from ferries to schools and hospitals.

Separate demonstrations will take place tomorrow morning in central Athens.

The country's unions called the strike to protest against a new bout of austerity measures being arranged between the government and Greece's international creditors.

Pensions and pay will face further cuts and the retirement age may be raised from 65 to 67.

It is the first general strike the three-party coalition has had to face - but it may not be the last.

Riot police have clashed with demonstrators during previous strikes.

Air traffic controllers are set to walk off the job for three hours, while ferries will stay tied up for the day.

Staff at hospitals, schools, tax and customs offices will strike and shops are expected to shut down.

Inter-city trains and the suburban railway in Athens will close, although the capital's metro and buses will run for most of the day.

Civil engineers, lawyers, municipal workers and bank employees are also to walk off the job, while journalists will hold a four-hour work stoppage.