Greece comes to standstill as workers strike over austerity

Greece's two largest public and privatesector unionsbegan a 24-hour nationwide walkout on Wednesday to protest againstausterity measures that foresee thousands of layoffs, dpa reported.Workers called the strike to protest the government's plan to fire atleast 11,000 public servants this year. Nearly 4,000 state workershave already lost their job. The walkout caused all public servicesand schools to remain shut across the country.Dock workers decided to stay at home, leaving tourists stranded atislands across the country as ferries remained docked at ports.Trains were also left idle at stations across the country.Doctors and nurses at state hospitals also took part in the walkoutand pharmacies remained closed.Recession-hit Greece has a record unemployment level of 28 per cent.