Tens of thousands of Slovenian public sector workers went on strike Wednesday, protesting against the government's austerity measures for the second time in less than a year.
Labour unions said Tuesday, after the final round of talks with conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa's cabinet failed, that around 100,000 people will take part in the strike.
During the strike, hospitals, customs officers and police will work to rule, maintaining the minimum volume of activity required by law and addressing only emergencies.
Most kindergartens and schools remained closed, as well as museums and other cultural institutions. Some private unions have supported the strike, but it was not immediately clear to what extent.
A street protest was also scheduled Wednesday in Ljubljana and other cities.
The key point of contention is a 5-per-cent wage cut for all state employees.
Slovenia, a eurozone member since 2007, is forced to implement austerity measures and reduce spending to sustainable levels in order to avoid having to seek a bailout from the European Union.