A number of schools in the country are closed today thanks to a one-day strike called by the common front of (public sector worker) syndicates. The union is is calling for salary increases and improved career-advancement. The strike affects other sectors, including rubbish collections. A demonstration will be held outside Lisbon’s Palácio de Ajuda later today to coincide with the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, due to consider the union’s demands. According to SIC television news as many as 1,000 people are expected to turn up.
