Greek workers have begun a 24-hour strike to demand higher wages to cope with surging inflation, as Europe’s soaring energy prices and living costs trigger industrial action and protests.

In Athens, thousands of people marched in the second 24-hour strike this year over rising inflation, some holding up banners that read: “No to layoffs, no to pay cuts.” Brief clashes broke out outside parliament between protesters hurling petrol bombs and riot police who fired teargas.

It is the latest labour action in Europe, where a growing cost of living crisis and rising energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to strikes this month in Britain, France, Spain, and Germany.

The Greek economy is growing at nearly twice the eurozone rate this year thanks to a rebound in tourism, but inflation is near a three-decade peak at 12%, among the highest in the zone’s 19 member countries.

“We can no longer bear the high costs. We can no longer bear the poverty. We can no longer bear the exhaustion,” said Giorgos Paliouras, a pensioner who joined the march.

The General Confederation of Greek Workers union (GSEE), which represents private sector workers, said unions had called the strike in protest “against the inflation suffocating Greek households, the jungle-like conditions in the labour market”, referring to labour laws.

Ferries were idle at ports and stoppages by public transport staff brought traffic chaos to the capital. Some flights were grounded as air traffic...

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