Greece: ATCs cancel planned strikes

Greek air traffic controllers have cancelled a plan for successive 24-hour strikes next week after meeting with the country's transport minister. The air controllers' union said in a statement Saturday evening that Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis had promised to make changes to a draft bill that reorganises Greece's civil aviation authorities. The reforms are one of a handful of outstanding actions that Greece's left-led government must do to receive a E2.8b rescue loan installment from its European partners. The first 24-hour strike was to begin at midnight Saturday. Further strikes had been scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The strikes would have led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. A few airlines had already announced a reduced schedule for next week.<br/>