Customs officials On 3 Day Strike

Customs officials in Greece began a planned three-day strike on 16 February 2010 to protest the government's austerity measures that have cut the salaries of public workers. All customs service offices in the country will reportedly be shut down for the duration of the strike, essentially suspending all import and export operations at ports and border crossings into Greece. Minimal staff will be maintained during the strike to allow perishable items and medical supplies to be brought in and out of the country. However, there is a concern that the strike will result in shortages of fuel, and long lines are being reported at gasoline stations. Finance ministry employees are also taking part in a four-day strike action of their own, and tax officials are staging a 24-hour walkout on 17 February. Meanwhile, taxi drivers are expected to launch a one-day strike on 18 February; no taxis were available in Athens and other cities during a similar action staged on 11 February. The strikes were called in response to the government's harsh austerity measures being introduced to combat the country's spiraling budget deficit.