Greece strikes turn violent (PHOTOS) (VIDEO)

Greece was on Wednesday being hit by another general strike, with flights grounded, and closures to public services, shops and offices.

CNN reported that the 48-hour strike action kicked off a day before lawmakers were due to vote on a new round of tough austerity measures – which include increased more tax hikes, pay cuts and job losses.

The strike was called by Greece’s two largest unions that cover public and private sector workers.

(Read more on GlobalPost: Greece hit by fresh 24-hour general strike and Women end sex strike in Colombia)

Thousands have gathered in Athens to protest, amid tight security. According to CNN, they were chanting: "Don't bow your head, it's time for resistance and struggle".

Video: Greece Austerity Showdown
 

Outside parliament, former railway worker Diamandis Goufas said: "I'm here for my children and everyone else's children. Those punks in there have destroyed everyone's lives."

The European Union and the International Monetary Fund have demanded tough spending cuts in return for two bailouts.

The BBC reported that Greece is struggling to reduce an enormous government deficit amid fears that it could default, and deepen Europe’s debt crisis.

Its correspondent in Athens says the pace of protests in Greece has been increasing for several weeks.