In an atmosphere of growing uncertainty, the beleaguered government also faced a barrage of strikes launched by transport unions fiercely protesting against further austerity measures.

Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have been holding meetings with union leaders, including the leaders of the transport union, in an effort to gather support for general strikes.

Why should the transport unions bargain in good faith if the White House can be bullied into stopping strikes at the expense of any troubled carrier?

The Supreme Court holds that transport unions are uniquely free to entangle the Government in their labor disputes by disrupting service with secondary strikes.

"Every Muslim in Pakistan is angry that the American soldiers are here," said Muhammad Nawaz, 53, the president of the transport union in Bannu.

Although all major political parties and religious organizations oppose the referendum, newspapers are filled every day with endorsements from teachers groups, transport unions, government associations and local politicians.

The protests grew out of a strike by the urban transport union, which consists of bus, taxi, and lorry drivers.

After the turn of the century, small specialised transport unions were established throughout Australia.

The rises were also condemned by Bob Crow, general secretary of transport union the RMT.

This became possible when the transport unions agreed to transport coal that was mined.