Tunisian bank workers began a two-day strike on Monday to demand pay rises, halting all financial transactions.

Lines formed at cash points as the walkout started, but customers said many of the machines were broken.

The powerful UGTT union called the strike after talks over pay and working conditions broke down with the banking council, which represents all public and private banks.

The union says rising living costs have eroded employees’ purchasing power and is demanding "urgent adjustments" to salaries.

Tunisia is grappling with a severe economic crisis, with a shortage of foreign funding and investment, slow economic growth, public debt exceeding 80% of GDP, and shortages of some essential goods.