31.   Unions protested this week outside a National Association of Manufacturers meeting that Vice President Dick Cheney addressed.

32.   Unions were already protesting after news reports predicted the layoffs.

33.   The rail unions are particularly protesting against changes in the special provisions enjoyed by railroad workers with respect to their retirement benefits.

34.   The union is protesting against cost cuts, and plans to sell off parts of the company to foreign airlines.

35.   The unions are also protesting government reform plans for pensions and tax.

36.   The unions are protesting austerity measures recently adopted by parliament which affect mainly the civil servants who are seeing their premiums and allowances reduced.

37.   The union is protesting over hours and working practices.

38.   The union was also protesting a company policy of contracting out services like engine repair and catering, fearing mass layoffs.

39.   Unions may protest this step.