Romanian Subway Workers On 2-hour Strike

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Subway workers in Romania's capital have staged a two-hour strike to demand a 20 percent pay rise.

Head of the subway workers' union Ion Radoi says the Bucharest subway made a profit last year and workers should have higher wages.

Some 700,000 passengers use the 49-station system every day. The morning strike on Thursday affected some 70,000 passengers.

Transportation Minister Radu Berceanu says no funds are available to meet the workers demand.

Romania is in a deep recession with the economy expected to contract more than 8 percent this year.

Workers have threatened to stage an all-out strike on Nov. 17 if their demands are not met.