Venezuela teachers strike again

Tens of thousands of school teachers in Venezuela have staged a strike to demand a pay rise, the second such stoppage in less than a month.

The teachers want talks with the government, which has refused to recognise the current union leadership.

In December, Venezuelan voters backed a plan by the president, Hugo Chavez, to overhaul the country's trade unions.

The vote was sharply criticised by international labour groups which have accused Mr Chavez of violating workers' rights. The government has also come under fire over plans to appoint school supervisors and change the national curriculum.

Parent associations have reacted angrily, saying it is an attempt to brainwash their children.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service