Strikes by workers against the austerity measures being imposed in Greece turned ugly in Athens today. Marchers clashed with riot police, throwing sticks and stones, and running from tear gas in return. Trade unions are unhappy with the austerity measures imposed by the IMF (and the IMF aid in general) and are protesting the year's second wage cut for public sector workers, an increase in sin taxes and those on fuel, and a three-year freeze on pensions. Early Wednesday, a group of protesters styling themselves anarchists set fire to four bank buildings. 3 were killed in the blaze at the Marfin Egnatia bank. They have not yet been identified as protesters or bank employees. The violence has worsened the situation for Greek stock.
See "Greeks Protests Leave 3 Dead, Buildings Burning", Maria Petrakis & Natalie Weeks, Business Week, May 4, 2010