In response to labor unions’ calls for a 24-hour general strike in Greece, hundreds of thousands went on strike Wednesday. Workers are protesting what the Greek civil servants’ union labeled as “barbaric” austerity measures that may soon be approved by the Parliament. The measures include the privatization of many public bodies. The unemployment rate in Greece is currently at 23 percent. In addition to austerity measures, the government has also suggested social benefits to ease the financial suffering present after seven years of austerity.
See "Hundreds of Thousands Strike in Greece as Cuts Near Approval", Niki Kitsantonis, New York Times, May 17, 2017