Parts of Greece have been brought to a halt by the country's main labour union's first general strike since the new coalition government took power. They are protesting against new austerity measures. 　　The Greeks are already suffering salary cuts, layoffs and tax hikes. But some have also lost their patience with the strikes. 　　Private Sector Employee Dimitris Papastathis: "Unfortunately, my opinion is that they happen so often, almost on a daily basis, that they have lost their meaning. 　　All they do is to make it hard for people to do their jobs. They could take place without bringing everything to a halt." Trains, buses and trams halted morning services. 　　Rubbish collectors, doctors, journalists and bank employees were also among those who walked off the job. But some questioned the effectiveness of the 24 hour strike. Greek Citizen Vasilis Papadopoulos: "Strikes have completely lost their meaning. 　　One day, all the nations of Europe will rise up and create havoc. Meanwhile, on a local level, we are just passing the time." This is the first such test for new Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. 　Earlier in the week, EU leaders agreed to approve an 8 billion euro debt deal to prevent the country going bankrupt. It would have run out of money by mid-December without the financial aid. (Marie-Claire Fennessy/ Reuters)