Public sector workers in Portugal have started a nationwide strike that is expected to cause the biggest disruption in more than 20 years.
The day-long walkout aims to shut down most public services as trade unions fight the government’s austerity measures.
Portugal is under severe pressure to cut a high level of national debt which is undermining its economy and fuelling market concerns that it may need a financial rescue.
The government intends to introduce pay cuts for public employees next year, as well as tax hikes, to help pay off the debt.
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Opposition to the measures has united the country’s two largest union federations, representing 1.5 million workers, in their first joint strike since 1988.