Portugal train conductors call new strike

Portuguese train conductors have called a new strike for January 1, union officials said Tuesday.

The conductors had already carried out a three-day strike over pay from December 23-25, leading to widespread train cancellations.

The next strike action would be to protest disciplinary procedures against about 200 conductors, union leader Antonio Medeiros said.

Portugal is carrying out drastic austerity measures, including public sector pay cuts and tax raises, as part of the financial plan from the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

The Christmas strikes led to the cancellation of about 2,700 trains.