Strike takes place as right-wing coalition prepares to impose further austerity measures.
from the World Socialist Web Site
"Portugal’s two main trade unions, the Socialist Party (PS) aligned General Workers Union (UGT) and the Communist Party (PCP) aligned General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), staged a 24-hour general strike yesterday.
"The strike—the fourth called by the unions since Portugal asked for a €78 billion bailout two years ago—took place as the right-wing coalition led by Social Democrat (PSD) Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho prepares to impose further austerity measures next month. There are already 1.5 million people out of work in the country of 10.5 million, with less than half receiving unemployment benefits. The official youth unemployment rate is 42.5 per cent.
During the day thousands of people marched through the capital of Lisbon to the parliament building, which was protected by a large police cordon. Demonstrators held banners reading, “Enough!” and “Government Out!” Other protests were held in towns and cities including Oporto and Faro in the south.
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