According to the media reports, thousands of Greeks marched in May Day rallies to protest government cuts to wages and pensions planned in exchange for an international financial bailout.

The BBC reported that in Athens, riot police fired tear gas at protesters in a trade union march, while youths attacked businesses in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

It was further reported that the rallies were called by trade unions and left-wing parties to protest cuts in wages and pensions along with tax increases the European Union is requiring in return for a three-year, $133 billion-to-$160 billion bailout.

The deal, which could be approved this weekend by Eurozone leaders, is expected to keep Greece from defaulting on its debt.

It was also noted by the report that Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is to unveil details once the package is finalized. He has called the bailout necessary to protect Greece's future even though it will result in hardship for citizens.

The unions want to show the government they can mobilize enough support to defeat plans for the bailout. (With Inputs from Agencies)