Civil servants protest in Spain

Civil servants in Spain took to the streets yesterday to protest against the government\'s decision to reduce public sector salaries by 5 per cent this year and the imposition of a freeze.



The government has said that the measures are part of efforts to reduce the country\'s deficit.



It has been reported that 2.5 million civil servants whose salaries are being cut represent nearly 11 per cent of Spain\'s 23 million workers.



In a radio interview, Finance Minister Elena Salgado said the government recognised the rights of workers and their unions to strike but urged them to ensure that service at strategic offices, such as health care facilities, are not disrupted.