Public sector strike called for 30 April

Two trade unions are calling on civil servants to shut down public services on Monday 30 April in a one-day strike.

The CSC union will be joined by the CGSP, which is protesting about the government's "total lack of respect for civil servants".

"This will not be a one-off strike," said CGSP public sector secretary Gino Hoppe, hinting that other walkouts would take place in the coming months.

CSC national secretary Silvana Bossio said: "Since last summer, the government continues to attack the federal public service: chipping away at everything from leave to sickness benefits.

"The government's redesign of the public sector has the goal of making services more efficient and saving €500 million. The cuts today are savage and are making the civil service a less attractive place to work."

Disruption is likely on 30 April at federal government offices, schools and on public transport. More information will be known closer to the time.