Portugal general strike disrupts services

Portugal's unions hope to bring the country to a near standstill on Wednesday as they stage a general strike in protest at planned wage cuts.

Transport, industry and schools are set to be severely affected by the strike, the unions said.

The strike comes two days before the parliament in Lisbon is to vote on an austerity budget.

The budget aims to quell international unease over Portugal's public spending and deficit.

For the first time in 20 years, the country's main unions UGT and CGTP have united in a call for a national day of industrial action.

CP with cuts of 77%

Lisbon: Boats at a halt

Carris with 40% of services