ATHENS -- Greece was paralyzed on Tuesday by a 24-hour public sector workers' strike called by unions in protest at planned welfare and pension reforms by the governing socialists, AFP reported.

More than 30 international and domestic flights were canceled buses and trains ground to a halt and ferry services were suspended, while government offices were also affected by the strike.

The country's two main unions which together represent about 800,000 workers in Greece launched the industrial action to protest against the reforms, due to be introduced in the coming days by the government.

About 200 union activists staged a demonstration at the Economy Ministry in central Athens on Tuesday morning to coincide with an opening of a parliamentary debate on the government's plans, which include rationalizing the social service system.