Public Sector Workers Stage A 1 Day Strike

Public sector workers launched a one-day strike on 4 March 2010 to protest the government's recent proposal to freeze the salaries of public workers and other planned austerity measures. The work stoppage is affecting hospitals, schools, trash collection and other public services; public transportation is operating normally in Lisbon, but the strike caused disruptions to transport services in other cities. Initial estimates indicate that more than 300,000 workers participated in the strike. The government is planning to slash public spending to cut the country's soaring budget deficit and meet EU-mandated targets. Unions have warned of further strikes and protests if the government extends its planned pay freeze into next year.