Greek unions were set to march for the second time in 48 hours during a nationwide strike Thursday, a day after violent clashes between demonstrators and police against new austerity measures that won initial parliamentary approval, DPA reported.
The second day of a nationwide strike was expected to again shut down much of the country with workers of all stripes - from dentists, doctors and lawyers to tax office workers, taxi drivers, prison guards, teachers, bank workers and dock workers - staying off the job.
The demonstration would coincide with a crucial vote by Parliament on a series of new austerity reforms.
Parliament granted initial approval to the austerity bill late Wednesday with a second and more crucial vote on each of the bill's articles to be held late Thursday in the 300-member chamber.
Only Thursday's vote would pass the bill, which consists of new tax hikes, further pension and salary cuts, the dismissal of 30,000 public servants and the suspension of collective labour contracts.
Hundreds of rioting youths smashed, burned and looted their way through central Athens Wednesday, clashing with riot police during a massive anti-government rally against the new austerity package.
The first day of the strike grounded flights for hours, left ferries tied up in ports around the country, and shut customs offices, stores and banks.