Athens - Custom workers around Greece began an open-ended strike on Monday, forcing the closure of all refineries, border stations, ports and airports throughout the country.

The strike, which was called in protest against the government's plans for severe salary cutbacks for civil servants, caused serious disruptions in food and fuel supplies.

Union officials said customs will operate with skeleton personnel who will only carry out inspections of imports and exports of perishable food items and items of national importance such as military supplies, medicine and fuel for hospitals. (dpa)