Garbage strike extended amid Greek protests

ATHENS, Greece

Striking government workers in Greece say they will extend a garbage strike that has led to piles of rubbish in the streets of Athens.

The strike is part of the protests against economic austerity measures aimed at solving the country's debt crisis.

The protesters said they will keep landfills in Athens other cities closed through Thursday.

Unions oppose a euro4.8 billion ($6.5 billion) austerity package that will hike consumer taxes and slash pay for public sector workers by up to 8 percent.

Greece's two largest unions are planning a nationwide 24-hour strike for Thursday.