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Protests escalate against Greek pension reform

Protesting farmers gather around a fire in the northern Greek village of Promahonas at the Greek-Bulgarian borderline on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. Greek farmers angry at planned pension and tax reforms have expanded their campaign of blocking highways and closed a border crossing to Bulgaria. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Protesting farmers gather around a fire in the northern Greek village of Promahonas at the Greek-Bulgarian borderline on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. Greek farmers angry at planned pension and tax reforms have expanded their campaign of blocking highways and closed a border crossing to Bulgaria. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

By Associated Press January 26, 2016 1 min read

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – State hospital workers have scuffled with police outside the finance ministry as protests across Greece escalate against sweeping pension reforms proposed by the government.

The scuffles occurred Tuesday as farmers continued to sporadically block highways, mostly in northern Greece, and a growing number of professional associations called strikes.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ year-old left-wing government is facing fierce opposition to the reforms being demanded by bailout lenders that could see millions of workers pay higher income contributions.

Labor unions are planning anti-government protests in Athens later Tuesday, when Tsipras is due to speak in parliament, while a general strike is planned on Feb. 4.