(dpa) -
Transport workers in Budapest on Tuesday look set to strike again after talks
aimed at resolving a dispute over service cuts and job losses failed.
Unions are concerned over plans to cut up to 10 per cent of services in Budapest.
Budapest Transport Company (BKV) is around 80 billion forints (489.4 million
dollars) in debt and is expected to run at a loss again this year.
The service cuts are aimed at saving 700 million forints this year and 2.1
billion forints in 2009.
Leaders are demanding the plans be modified to include the unions in drawing up
a new plan that will minimize layoffs and also want improved working
conditions.
Talks on Wednesday collapsed after a matter of minutes, meaning that a 24-hour
strike on Friday is almost inevitable.
Budapest was brought to a virtual standstill last Monday by the first
half-day strike, which saw metros, trams and buses remain stationary until
early afternoon.