Spain hit by public sector strikes over austerity cuts

Spain's public sector workers went on strike today in protest at wage cuts that are aimed at reducing the country's huge deficit.

The walkouts involved staff in administration, education and hospitals but not transport.

Unions said the strike was being supported by 75 per cent of the 2.6 million employed in the country's public sector but the labour ministry put the figure at 16 per cent.

The action is seen as a first test of strength for unions which are considering calling a general strike if the Socialist government imposes more drastic measures.

Pablo Frutos, 52, who earns 1,100 (£910) a month after 22 years in the public sector, said it was unfair that people who earn so little should bear the brunt of the cutbacks. Looking at his colleagues, he said, "Not one of them comes near making 2,000 a month."

Prime minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has come under pressure from the EU, the International Monetary Fund and President Obama to take bold action and ward off a Greek-style debt crisis which would further hurt the euro.

Last month Spain presented a 15 billion austerity package. The country must find a way to rein in its deficit from 11.2 per cent of GDP last year to 9.3 per cent in 2010, and to three per cent in 2013.