Greece will remain without taxis for two days as drivers launched a nationwide strike Wednesday to protest government measures that include requiring receipt-issuing cab meters.

The government wants to modernize Athens' cabs in time for the Olympics next August. Drivers are planning to demonstrate in central Athens Thursday.

The taxi strike is part a wave of work stoppages in the last three weeks that have disrupted services and transport, as unions push for the government to cave in to demands for heftier pay hikes ahead of spring elections.

The government says it cannot shell out any more money since the budget is already burdened with a social spending package and the Olympic games.

Hospitals are operating with skeleton staff for the third day, while state veterinarians and food inspectors are continuing their three-week action after ignoring a court order to return to work.

Later Wednesday, police, firefighters and coast guard officers are also planning to stage a rally in central Athens to press the government to grant the hazard pay and benefits.