Portuguese transport workers strike
Portuguese government plans to slash the 17 billion euro public transport sector's debt have prompted a strike, causing havoc for commuters
A 24-hour strike by Portuguese public transport workers over the government's plans for reducing the sector's unsustainable debt load has caused problems for commuters.
Trade unions are fighting government proposals to cut services and merge or privatise some of the state-owned mass transit companies.
The centre-right government is committed to an austerity programme that Portugal agreed to in return for a 78 billion euro (£64.8 billion) bailout last year.
The government says the public transport sector's debts amount to some 17 billion euro (£14 billion) - equivalent to roughly 10% of the country's annual gross domestic product.
Thursday's strike had a lower turnout than expected. The Lisbon subway and ferry services shut down but most trains and buses ran as usual.
Press Association
