The Greek strikes are slated to expand on Wednesday, as private sector workers join already-striking public workers in their ongoing 48-hour protest at the harsh new austerity measures.

Wednesday's strike is expected to paralyze Athens, closing ministries and leaving hospital operating with a bare-bones staff. Domestic flights in Greece were grounded on Tuesday, and cancellations are expected broaden to include international flights on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, protestors unfurled banners at the iconic Acropolis monument and public workers went on strike against the planned austerity measures. About 2,000 protesters, mainly teachers and pensioners, marched through central Athens, demanding that the government stop "stealing" their wages and pensions.

Austerity measures

The Greek government is set to vote on Thursday to fast-track an austerity bill through parliament, the finance ministry said.

Increases in sales, fuel, tobacco and alcohol taxes would take effect immediately. The austerity measures fuelling the discontent include raising the age of retirement and reducing wages for public workers.

"The Greek government remains firmly committed to implement all necessary measures to ensure rapid fiscal consolidation and structural reforms for the benefit of the economy and of Greek citizens," the finance ministry said in a statement.

Help on the way

Greeks have been up in arms for days at what they see as harsh terms to the EU-IMF bailout deal. The first installment of the bailout funds should be available by mid-May, despite member state Slovakia's announcement that it will withhold its share of the aid until after austerity measures are passed.

Athens is hoping to see the money by May 19, the day it is expected to pay 8.5 billion euros ($11 billion) of maturing bonds on its debt.

Meanwhile, the euro currency plunged on Tuesday and stock markets tumbled on fears that the Greek-style crisis could spread to Portugal and Spain.

smh/AP/AFP/dpa
Editor: Rob Turner