Budapest - Thousands of public sector workers took to the streets in the Hungarian capital on Saturday to protest against a pay freeze and the abolition of end-of-year bonuses.

Many streets in central Budapest were closed to traffic on Saturday morning as public sector workers vented their anger over the proposed cutbacks, which are part of the government's cost-cutting budget bill.

Members of some 30 unions representing workers from different branches of the public sector braved icy rain to meet at several points around the city before gathering in front of the parliament building.

At Heroes' Square, one of Budapest's best known tourist landmarks, police, firemen, customs officers, prison guards and soldiers assembled in the late morning before marching towards parliament.

The abolition of the traditional "13th month" bonus payment enjoyed by all public sector workers has provoked outrage in Hungary. The country's teachers, police, emergency services and medical workers are among the lowest paid in the EU.

Union leaders have threatened a nationwide strike if their demands for the return of the "13th month" salary payment and the withdrawal of the pay freeze are not met. (dpa)