Arguing that the positions are diametrically opposed, unionist Branimir Štrukelj is "almost sure" a protest will take place on 3 December.

Štrukelj confirmed Finance Minister Dušan Mramor had meet with him and Drago Ščernjavič, the other chief union negotiator, on Monday to warn them that merely extending existing saving measures in the sector in 2015 will not be enough to bring Slovenia's budget deficit below 3% of GDP as demanded by the EU.

Mramor, who also attended today's negotiations, said he had presented his predictions on what could happen if Slovenia fails to meet commitments given to the European Commission.

"Measures by the Commission would very probably follow, additional demands, which could also include a demand to cut salaries," Mramor said after reports that the cut could amount to 7%.

Štrukelj meanwhile understands that the government needs to find the EUR 127m it would be short of its target without additional cuts, but argued it "should become a government...and fight in Brussels for better conditions".

The unions claim that the government has failed to take a stance on their most recent positions and regret the talks have been delayed for a week now although time is running out.

Štrukelj is thus "almost sure" that public sector trade unions will agree on a joint protest, which could take place on 3 December.

The threat of a 7% cut was also criticised by Zoran Petrovič of the SPS, one of two police trade unions, which are also planning a protest rally.