Public workers strike in Portugal

Strikers say the government's salary proposal is unfair

Portuguese public sector workers have gone on strike for the second time in just over a year to protest at government austerity measures.

Schools, hospitals and public transport were affected by the strike and rubbish was uncollected in some cities.

The workers are particularly angry about a wage freeze, introduced last year, which Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso has said will continue.

He aims to close a budget gap that risks breaching the eurozone limits.

Bear the brunt

Union leaders, who called the one-day strike, complain that they are being forced to bear the brunt of his savings efforts.

They are also protesting against the policy of individual contracts and changing retirement rules.

The government's decision to freeze the wages of employees who earn more than 1,000 euros will affect about half the 700,000-strong public work force.

As we have had to call on the Portuguese people for some discipline and sacrifices, public sector workers will also have to make their contribution Susana Toscano Public Administration Secretary

The rest will get a 2% increase.

Union leader Joao Proenca, of UGT (General Workers Union), said the protest was a clear message from workers.

"Strikes are wrestling matches," he told Portuguese radio. "This strike is an expression of our dissatisfaction, and the government ought to carefully read this mood."

Public Administration Secretary Susana Toscano in turn defended the government's plans and said there was a need for public discipline.

"Since public sector workers are paid through the state payroll, it is more than obvious that the budget situation will be reflected in these workers' wages," she said.

"Therefore, we are dealing with a temporary situation."

In 2001, Portugal became the first eurozone member to breach the public deficit limit of 3% of its output.

Mr Durao Barroso's government, which came to power in April 2002, has since cut the deficit to 2.7%.

He achieved this by slashing spending, sacking public workers on short-term contracts and selling state property.