Pyongyang, October 22 (KCNA) -- Greek labor unions launched a 48-hour general strike Wednesday ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote over fresh austerity measures.

The strike was organized by ADEDY and GSEE, the two main umbrella unions of public and private sector employees that represent over 2.5 million workers.

They protested against the austerity measures taken by the authorities including tax raise, hike and wage reduction under the name of removing the financial crisis, strongly urging them to retract it at once.

The strike so far has shut down public sector organizations, schools, courts and hospitals that run on skeleton personnel. Public transport services have been crippled, including airports and ports, as strikers gather in two main squares in central Athens to march towards the parliament.