Greece Agrees New Austerity Measures

Protesters demonstrating against austerity measures clash with riot police during a general strike in Athens in June.

The Greek government is to impose tougher austerity measures in a move to secure crucial bailout funds needed to avoid default.

The government agreed on September 21 to cut pensions, extend a property tax hike, and put tens of thousands of public workers on notice.

The decision follows two days of tough talks with the International Monetary Fund and European authorities.

At stake is an 8-billion-euro ($11-billion) tranche of aid which is urgently needed to help pay government bills, including public wages and pensions.

Two labor unions unions have responded by calling for strikes against the austerity measures next month.

compiled from agency reports