Portuguese gov't aims to force striking nurses back to work Portugal's Socialist government is trying to force striking public health service nurses back to work by enacting a rarely-used measure

LISBON, Portugal -- Portugal's Socialist government is trying to force striking public health service nurses back to work by enacting a rarely used measure.

Health Minister Marta Temido announced Thursday that the government has decided to order a so-called civil requisition, whereby workers in essential services are required by law to report for duty in "exceptionally serious" circumstances.

Hospitals say the strike has forced the cancellation of hundreds of scheduled operations.

Temido says the government had no choice and did not take the decision lightly.

The nurses are pressing their demands for better pay, fewer working hours and lower retirement ages.

Nurses' representatives did not immediately say whether they would challenge the government's order in the courts.

Portugal has seen a spate of public sector strikes as it prepares for an October general election.