Labor unions and civic groups have called for a day of mass demonstrations and a general strike March 11 to protest the government's planned austerity measures. Unions representing almost all industry and service branches will take part; the participation rate will likely be high. Air traffic controllers plan to participate in the strike and all airports in Greece are expected to close for the day. Travelers should expect severe transport delays and public service disruptions, including the unavailability of medical care except for emergency services. Most flights to and from Greece, as well as domestic service, will likely be canceled. Air traffic controllers will stop working at 11 PM March 10. Trains, ferries and mass transit will probably come to a near standstill across the country. Most public offices and many businesses will remain closed March 11. In Athens, tens of thousands of people will likely participate in the protests. Major rallies will commence at 9 AM in front of the parliament building and at 11 AM in the Mars Park (Pedion Areos). In addition, the Communist Worker Groups (PAME) will rally in Omonia Square, probably in the morning. Another rally will take place at 1800 in front of the Athens police headquarters, which will probably result in violence. Numerous student and activist groups have called for protests, mostly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Left-wing militants will likely use the protests to incite violence. Areas under high threat for incidental violence include Exarchia and Syntagma squares and the National Technical University Athens campus. Through March and beyond, additional protests and unrest are likely. Spontaneous strikes are likely to include customs employees, air traffic controllers and public administration employees. There is a high likelihood of increasing fuel shortages and business closures. Recent polls, however, suggest that a majority of Greeks would support austerity measures under certain circumstances, leaving the long-term prospects for a sustained protest campaign unclear. During the last general strike on Feb. 24, hundreds of youths attacked police, torched cars and smashed storefronts in Athens and Thessaloniki. Consider deferring nonessential travel to Greece March 11. Avoid all demonstrations and large crowds. Prepare for at least 24 hours of commercial, transport and public service unavailability. Our Corporate Travel Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need immediate assistance and your company has a designated Egencia Travel phone number, please call that number directly. If you do not have a designated number, in the U.S. please call us at 1-866-397-2677 or 1-702-939-2530. When traveling outside the U.S., please refer to the following, use the following local international customer service numbers. You can also reach us via e-mail by using our "support and feedback" form. Help and guidance resources are readily available in our Egencia Travel Support Center.

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