Lebanese utility workers on strike

Workers at Lebanon's state-owned utility companies have gone on strike in protest at the government's decision to scrap concessions on their electricity bills.

At least 6,500 employees of electricity, water and public transport companies are on strike.

The Lebanese government last month approved a law including an article cancelling lower electricity tariffs for utility workers.

Workers' unions say they are not against the government's plans to reduce deficits but do not want to be deprived of benefits they have enjoyed for five decades.

The strike will not reduce the electricity or water supply in Lebanon but will affect maintenance at the firms.

Meanwhile, unions are negotiating with the Government.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service