Portuguese election brings a crush of labor demands

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — In the run-up to an October general election, Portuguese labor groups are stepping up pressure for higher pay and better working hours, with police hinting they will stop handing out traffic fines.

Police and nurses have staged numerous protests in recent years as the center-right government implemented pay and pension cuts in return for the country's 78 billion-euro ($86 billion) bailout in 2011.

With voters due to choose a new government on Oct. 4, police representatives said Tuesday they would stage protests during the election campaign to demand a monthly pay increase of 50 euros ($55) and a right to take their pension at age 60, compared with the usual 66.

Nurses plan regional strikes in coming weeks to press their case for a pay rise and shorter working hours.