A pedestrian passes closed shops and a poster that reads: "We Close, Thursday 18 October. No to the extinction of our businesses", as shopkeepers shut down for the 24-hour nationwide general strike. (AP)

Members of the PAME Communist-affiliated union take part in a protest during a 24-hour nationwide general strike. (AP)

Members of the PAME Communist-affiliated union gather outside the Greek parliament during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens. (AP)

A pedestrian passes closed shops as shopkeepers shut down for the 24-hour nationwide general strike. (AP)

A pedestrian passes closed shops in Ermou street, Athens' main shopping district as shopkeepers shut down for the 24-hour nationwide general strike.(AP)

Security guards of the finance ministry watch the protesters on the street from the roof of the building, with Acropolis hill in the background.(AP)

A worker protests outside the Greek parliament during a 24-hour nationwide general strike.(AP)

Riot police try to avoid a petrol bomb in Athens, during a 24-hour nationwide general strike.(AP)

A protester clashes with riot police.(AP)

Protesters shout slogans as they hold Greek flags outside the Greek parliament.(AP)