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.<br/> They are protesting against new austerity measures.<br/> The Greeks are already suffering salary cuts, layoffs and tax hikes.<br/> But some have also lost their patience with the strikes.<br/> (SOUNDBITE)PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEE DIMITRIS PAPASTATHIS, SAYING(Greek) :<br/> "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."<br/> Trains, buses and trams halted morning services.<br/> Rubbish collectors, doctors, journalists and bank employees were also among those who walked off the job.<br/> But some questioned the effectiveness of the 24 hour strike.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) GREEK CITIZEN VASILIS PAPADOPOULOS, SAYING(Greek):<br/> "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."<br/> This is the first such test for new Prime Minister Lucas Papademos.<br/> Earlier in the week, EU leaders agreed to approve an 8 billion euro debt deal to prevent the country going bankrupt.<br/> It would have run out of money by mid-December without the financial aid.<br/> Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters
