The unions have drawn a red line: extension of existing measures is the only acceptable way forward. The problem is, their proposal falls significantly short of the target savings.

Extension of existing measures would save EUR 313m, but the government has been seeking to eke out an additional EUR 127m, though its latest proposal cuts that figure to EUR 70m.

The government has an eye on EU budgetary commitments and appears reluctant to ask for a wavier, determined to stay the course of fiscal consolidation.

Time is running out, with Prime Minister Miro Cerar recently indicating that the negotiators should reach a deal in the first week of December if the agreed measures are to take effect in 2015.

If the talks break down, the unions plan to stage a mass protest on 3 December.