Portugal's largest union has launched a 24-hour general strike against austerity measures.

The temporary work stoppage by members of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers is expected to impact public services, especially bus and rail transportation.

Firefighters are staying on the job, but some of them also oppose government reforms that make it easier to fire workers, and cut their pay.

One striking worker says life is getting harder for everyone because of the austerity measures.

“They are not thinking about the people, nor the workers, our conditions of life are getting worse”

Portugal adopted three years of economic reforms last May in exchange for a $103-billion financial-aid package from the International Monetary Fund and European Union.

Portugal, which is in its worst recession since 1974, joins EU members Greece and Ireland in getting financial aid to remain solvent.