Portuguese workers strike over austerity

Sunrise over the Portuguese capital Lisbon heralds a general strike called by the country's largest workers' union.

Ports were shut, trains halted, and most public transport in the capital brought to a standstill in protest at austerity measures and labour reforms imposed as part of the 78-billion-euro bailout.

Striking under the slogan "Occupy the streets, block everything", workers say the reforms turn the clock back on employment rights, ramp up joblessness, and erode living standards.

A railway worker says their aim is to express their anger with the government.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) STRIKING TRAIN WORKER, MARIO GOMES, SAYING:

"We always hope that strikes will have an impact. It is not our aim to stop all the trains from circulating. Our aim is to show our indignation and our discontent at the policies adopted by the government, and the problems facing us due to the measures of the government. That's why we are on strike."

While some people don't think the strike will have any effect, this woman is frustrated to have her journeys disrupted again and again, and believes that stopping people getting to work during an economic crisis is counterproductive.

Portugal is facing its worst recession since the 1970s and was forced to take a bailout from the E.U. and I.M.F. last May after running up huge debts.

Some economists say the country may even need rescuing a second time as the recession continues to deepen.

Nick Rowlands, Reuters.