ATHENS, March 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Greece has been all but paralyzed by a 24-hour national strike called by two leading labor unions protesting against government economic reforms on Wednesday.

    Air, sea and rail traffic was disrupted across the country, and government offices, schools and banks were closed, as thousands of workers took to the streets in Athens, Salonika and other cities. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the country¡¯s Civil Servants Union (ADEDY), boasting 2.5 million members, or 60 percent of Greece's workforce, called the general strike in protest at government efforts to liberalize the labor market.

    They also demanded pay rises and job security.

    The Greek government is taking measures to cut the 2006 budget deficit below the 3 percent European Union limit, or face penalties. The government has announced below-inflation wage rises. Enditem