Portuguese trade unions, opposition parties vow to fight latest austerity measures

Published January 13, 2015

Portuguese opposition parties and labor groups have vowed to fight the government's latest austerity measures, which are being adopted in return for a 78 billion euros ($105.6 billion) bailout in 2011.

The state budget proposal for 2014 includes cuts to the pay and pensions of government workers for a third straight year.

The Common Front, an umbrella group that includes more than 30 trade unions representing government workers, announced Wednesday a national strike by its members Nov. 8.

The main opposition Socialist Party described the draft budget as "brutal" and said it will vote against the spending plan in Parliament later this month.

The government says it has to slash spending to meet next year's deficit target of 4 percent, which is demanded by the country's bailout creditors.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/portuguese-trade-unions-opposition-parties-vow-to-fight-latest-austerity-measures