Public services have shut down across Greece as workers hold the first general strike since the country's government initially came to power in January.

Transport was severely disrupted, with the Athens metro not running, bus and trolley routes reduced and ferries tied up in port. The strike shut down museums, schools and pharmacies, while state hospitals were functioning with emergency staff.

More than a dozen domestic flights were cancelled, while journalists also walked off the job, pulling news bulletins off the air except to report strike news.

Workers are protesting austerity measures imposed as part of Greece's third bailout, and two demonstrations are planned in Athens.

The labour policy division of prime minister Alexis Tsipras's left-wing Syriza party has backed the strike, calling for mass participation.