Public-sector workers rally in streets against austerity
Wednesday 23 January 2013
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EmailTens of thousands of Slovenian government workers went on strike today in protest at austerity measures passed by the small EU member's government, which has been racked by corruption allegations.
Teachers, lecturers, customs officials, doctors, nurses and other public-sector workers all walked out.
The coalition government has cut their pay by 5 per cent in a bid to avoid taking a European Union bailout amid a deepening recession.
Several thousand flag-waving protesters rallied in the capital Ljubljana, demanding job security and accusing the government of corruption.
"Don't believe those who say the situation will improve if cleaners, policemen or nurses are fired," trade union leader Branimir Strukelj told the crowd.
Prime Minister Janez Jansa's coalition partners have demanded he quit after an anti-graft watchdog said he hadn't declared more than £168,000 in private assets.
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