81.   The two unions were scheduled to meet Thursday night.

82.   The three unions will meet with representatives from the English rugby union in Auckland to discuss arrangements for the England tour of the South Pacific next year.

83.   Though the two unions are independent, they have closely coordinated bargaining strategy this year and traditionally have not bargained with the same company simultaneously.

84.   Although the two unions have repeatedly said their protest would be peaceful, the possibility of guerrilla violence haunted the authorities.

85.   CGIL boss Sergio Cofferati has threatened an all-out general strike over the issue, a step the other unions are reluctant to take.

86.   The other unions are also demanding that their pay be increased and are objecting to plans to restructure Renfe.

87.   The six unions are Transvaal, Northern Transvaal, Natal, Free State, Eastern Province and Western Province.

88.   The two unions said they will take their case to the Supreme Tribunal, demanding the court suspend the government order.

89.   The six unions also called for a rally outside the National Assembly on the same day in a bid to persuade deputies not to pass the measure.

90.   The two unions are now due to enter talks with the management, at the conciliation service Acas.