Greek workers have started a 48-hour strike across the country in protest of tax and pension reforms as public and private sector union members walked out from their jobs on 6 May.

The proposed changes would see social security contributions rise, income tax for high earners increase, and a gradual phase out of top-up pensions for low-income earners.

The General Confederation of Greek Workers said these changes were the "last nail in the coffin".

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Hundreds took to the streets to voice their anger at these changes. One of the protesters, Gerasimos Haritos, said, "They should take back these measures. These are not things that a supposedly left-wing government does."

Bus, train, tram and ferry drivers all walked out in the city of Piraeus, as well as some civil servants and journalists. This has caused travel chaos in the area, with cars blocking up a number of main roads.

The Greek government are hoping to persuade creditors dealing with the country's debt to release some bail out funds with these changes. They need to pay off growing state arrears, IMF loans and ECB Bonds.

Labour Minister George Katrougalos said, "We are in a situation where the national wealth of the nation is much smaller, we are one fourth poorer than we were in 2010 - and we must distribute a smaller piece of pension pie. But for the first time it will be in a fair way. What does fair mean? Equal terms for all, not like the old political system where the future generation was paying the bill".

It is thought Greece currently owes around €5bn (£3.9bn, $5.7bn) to various countries and organisations. The changes will be voted on in parliament on 9 May.

IMF