Protests Escalate in Greece

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- State hospital workers have scuffled with police outside the finance ministry as protests across Greece escalate against sweeping pension reforms proposed by the government.

The scuffles occurred Tuesday as farmers continued to sporadically block highways, mostly in northern Greece, and a growing number of professional associations called strikes.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' year-old left-wing government is facing fierce opposition to the reforms being demanded by bailout lenders that could see millions of workers pay higher income contributions.

Labor unions are planning anti-government protests in Athens later Tuesday, when Tsipras is due to speak in parliament, while a general strike is planned on Feb. 4.

(KA)