May first marks international Labour Day, a date which usually sees street demonstrations and protests around the world for higher pay and better working conditions.
In the Greek capital of Athens, a 24-hour strike against the government’s economic reforms has brought the city to a virtual standstill on Wednesday.
Trains and ferries were cancelled, while hospital staff walked off the job. The one-day walkout, called by two major unions, was also joined by teachers, civil servants, bank employees and hospital workers.
The strike comes days after Greek lawmakers passed the latest austerity bill into law in parliament, easing the way for the next batch of rescue funds from its European and international lenders.