May Day: Greeks protest over austerity measures Greek workers have joined May Day rallies in Athens, to vent their anger over painful austerity measures. The capital has come to a standstill. Buses and trains are not running and public sector offices have been shut down. Those protesting want debt-ridden Greece to reject the terms of international bailout loans, saying they are fed up with wage and pension cuts. "The message of this year's May Day is the continuation and escalation of the struggle against the austerity policies, the policies that will destroy the unions and society's rights," said Ilias Vrettakos from the ADEDY union. The May Day rallies are a last chance for protesters to show their opposition before the upcoming Greek elections, now less than a week away. More about: Austerity, Debt crisis, Euro in crisis, Greece, Protest