More violence as Greek unions strike

Flights were grounded, banks and schools were shut and hospitals ran on emergency services as a general strike shut down Greece.

Greek protestors aren't giving in.

It's the fifth day of violence since a teenage boy was shot dead by police.

This time protestors marched on parliament as two unions staged a general strike against the country's economic policy.

SOUNDBITE (Greek) PROTESTOR SAYING:

"I feel rage about what we are seeing now and who knows what will come. They don't understand what is going on, they're not getting through to the youth they are just speaking like politicians."

SOUNDBITE (Greek) PROTESTOR SAYING:

"Young people are really angry, as is all of society, all parents are angry, just like the parents of the killed teenager. We are enraged at the policies of the government."

Earlier in the day there were street battles in Patras.

Riot police were called in after protestors marched on a police station throwing petrol bombs along the way.

Some local residents then tried to attack the rioters.

They were angry about the damage they were causing.

Tension clearly remains high across Greece where there've been running street battles in various cities in recent days.

Scores of shops, businesses and homes have been set alight, as have the offices of the Foreign Ministry.

Many Greeks are frustrated by the government's apparent inability to quell the violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK RESIDENT SAYING,

"We have to understand what people need, why young people are upset, not look at a bunch of hooligans smashing things but consider what young people are feeling."

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK RESIDENT SAYING,

"I only have one thing to say, I am ashamed to be a Greek."

The rally went ahead despite a plea from the government.

The Prime Minster's position - precarious before the trouble began - is now critical.

The violence has added a massive bill to an already struggling economy.

And traders have virtually given up on any Christmas cheer.

Sonia Legg, Reuters.