Crowds march through the streets during a 24-hour general strike on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Athens. Greece ground to a halt as unions staged a one-day labor action in protest against the government's austerity measures designed to contain the massive public deficit.

Activists use building material to shutter the entrance to the Eurobank branch in central Athens.

Police stand by a burning Molotov cocktail during the massive protest march.

Police push demonstrators taking part in the march.

Protesters clash with the police in Athens.

Police line up behind riot shields.

A police officer in riot gear raises his baton.

Police fired tear gas at youths who hurled rocks, red paint and plastic bottles.

Despite sporadic clashes, police say the protest was for the most part peaceful.