Judges and doctors protest over Greece austerity cuts

Greek judges and hospital doctors have started working to rule over planned austerity cuts in the most serious confrontation between unions and government since a three-party coalition was formed three months ago.

For the next two weeks judges are only handling cases considered to be emergencies, in response to expected salary cuts.

State hospital doctors also started an indefinite protest, treating emergency cases only, over unpaid overtime pay. They joined private doctors who earlier this month began refusing to treat state-insured patients without full payment.

The government is trying to finalise an austerity package required for continued emergency rescue loans. Unions are angry at the new cuts and have called a general strike for September 26.