SANTIAGO - About 400,000 Chilean government workers went on strike Monday morning, seeking higher wages, while the government set in motion a contingency plan to ensure access to key services.

Workers led by the Aned union group seek a 14.5% wage increase, versus the government's offer of a 6.5% raise.

"Of the 14.5%, 9.9% corresponds to annual inflation and the rest is in line with the country's growth which is expected at 4.2%," Anef president Raul de la Puente told Radio Cooperativa Monday.

Government spokesman Francisco Vidal called the strike "unfair" as it will affect thousands of Chileans, but said he's optimistic a deal can reached later in the day.

Key services such as the identification bureau, customs and the tax service were closed, while public hospitals and clinics were operating with emergency personnel. The government encouraged taxpayers to use the tax service's Web site or an emergency phone service.

Customs offices are being manned by police and other non-striking government personnel so as not to delay passengers and cargo at several border crossings, airports and ports.

Workers held a two-day strike last week when the government offered them a 5% wage hike.