Athens - Greece's two largest unions said on Tuesday they will go ahead with planned 24-hour strikes Wednesday to protest the government's austere economic policies, amid nationwide rioting that has crippled the country.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis appealed to union leaders of the private-sector federation GSEE and public-sector union ADEDY to cancel the strikes in an effort to stop the violence, triggered by the fatal police shooting of a teenager Saturday, from escalating for a fifth consecutive day.

The two unions represent more than half of the country's workforce of 5 million.

The unions are protesting the government's recent pension reforms, which raise the retirement age and cut back benefits. The unions also oppose recent labour reforms, privatizations and tax collecting measures.

The 24-hour strike is expected to cause all transport across the country to grind to a halt. Domestic and international flights are expected to be drastically reduced at Athens' International Airport. Ferry and train services are also expected to stop operations. (dpa)