Government and unions approach pensions deal

Government and major unions appeared close to a deal to prevent industrial action over a planned overhail of the social security system.
Turk - Is said it saw no need for a threatened general strike later this week, having a struck deal with the government over changes to the pension system.
Bayram Meral, the leader of Turk - Is said he had reached a deal with the labour minister over an evening meal in the parliament restaurent the other day. "The social security bill will go to a sub - comission. In that case there is no need for the action we planned for Thursday," Mr. Meral said.
The bill is a key section of reforms set by tha International Monetary Fund as pre - conditions for a possible financial support package later this year. The government says the current system will collapse if it is not thoroughly overhauled.