Portugal strike hit by trade union split

Portugal’s second general strike in four months caused widespread disruption on the 22 March 2012.

But support for the 24-hour stoppage fell amid signs that many workers saw labour reforms and austerity measures as inevitable.

Portugal was among several eurozone countries, including Italy and Spain, pressing ahead with reforms to introduce more flexibility into labour markets in the face of trade union opposition.

Expresso, 21.3.12: Still waiting for better days (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1672851-still-waiting-better-days

ESO: Background information: Portugal faces slow journey out of recession http://www.europeansources.info/record/portugal-faces-slow-journey-out-of-recession/

France24, 22.3.12: Unions launch 24-hour general strike against austerity http://www.france24.com/en/20120322-unions-launch-24-hour-general-strike-against-austerity-deal-portugal-imf-eu-bailout

Deutsche Welle, 22.3.12: Portugal readies for day of anti-austerity action http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15825449,00.html

BBC News, 22.3.12: Portugal public sector workers go on strike http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17479400

---