Greek transport workers go on 24-hour strikeFebruary 15, 2011 - 13:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Bus, metro, tram and trolley workers in the Greek capital Athens walked off the job Feb 15 on a 24-hour strike, the latest in a series of near-daily work stoppages and demonstrations against cost-cutting reforms in the transport sector. The reforms are designed to reduce expenditure and waste at Greece's loss-making public transport companies, but workers fear an erosion of their rights. They were planning a demonstration outside Parliament in the afternoon, when lawmakers will be discussing and voting on the bill. Public transport ticket prices were increased by up to 80 percent earlier this month as part of efforts to reduce the companies' losses. Greece avoided bankruptcy last year through a euro110 billion (currently about $150 billion) international rescue loan package. In return, the Socialist government implemented unpopular austerity measures. The strike led to traffic jams across the city during the morning rush-hour as Athenians headed to work in cars and taxis. Authorities lifted the daily restrictions on the number of cars in the city center to help ease the situation. Athens has a system based on vehicle number plate endings to determine which cars can circulate on which days in the city center, in order to limit traffic and pollution levels. Transport workers have said they are determined to continue their work stoppages, with buses expected to pull off the capital's streets on Feb 16 for four hours, The Associated Press reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |