Flights and ferry services in and around Greece are expected to be severely disrupted once again today as unions call members out on strike against proposed austerity measures.

The 24-hour general strike got underway at midnight, ahead of a meeting later today by the European Commission to discuss propping up failing banks in Europe.

Schools in the country are also expected to be closed while hospitals will be working with reduced staff.

The action is the first general strike in Greece since the government announced an emergency property tax last month.

For the first time this year, air traffic controllers will stop work for 24 hours.

This is likely to cause major disruption at Athens airport.