LJUBLJANA, Slovenia -- Thousands of people are protesting against salary cuts and other austerity measures in Slovenia, a struggling eurozone member that is in danger of needing an international bailout.

The Saturday rally in the capital was organized by several workers unions who say government's austerity package would not end the downturn but only deepen the poverty.

Union leader Dusan Semolic says "workers' salaries did not cause this crisis." A huge banner reads: "No to Destructive Policies."

The rally appeared peaceful unlike similar gatherings in several European cities last week that erupted in street battles with police.

Slovenia has faced recession linked to the crisis in the 17-member zone using the euro.