Power cuts rippled across Athens despite pledges from the Public Power Corporation's union to put more stations online, the daily Kathimerini said Wednesday.

The report says the strikes could go on to the end of March when lawmakers are expected to vote on a pension reform bill.

Municipal workers extended their strike over the weekend, leaving piles of garbage strewn about the streets and it's expected that metro workers will walk off the job Thursday, stranding about 1 million commuters.

Other workers, including lawyers and various engineers, began a 48-hour strike Wednesday and bank workers may follow suit Thursday.

The strikes are over a bill that increases the retirement age and reduces pension benefits for working mothers and other women.