Portugal Workers Strike Over Austerity Measures

Local Editor

Members of Portugal's two biggest unions, the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers and the General Workers' Union, which represent around one million workers, posed a strike against government austerity measures on Thursday.

Public transport was halted, flights grounded and hospital operations cancelled due to the strikes that brought the country to a standstill.

The Airport management company ANA reported that 22 flights were cancelled by 10am, 17 of them at Lisbon airport, France 25 News Agency reported.

The workers who participated in the strike represented around 10% of Portugal's 10.6 million population.

The unions demanded that the government lessen austerity measures that they believe contributes to Portugal's downward economy and skyrocketing unemployment rate, at 17.8%.

"The majority of workers are against the measure this government has brought in and that's why they're striking," said transport union representative Abilio Carvalho.

However, some people didn't support the strike, saying they need the work: "They have the right to strike, but they should keep transport services going. Some people have to go to work and have no choice," said one woman.

"I won't strike. I have to go to work, otherwise I won't get paid by my boss and I need the money," commented another.

Source: News Agencies, edited by website team