Rome, Nov. 20, (dpa/GNA) – Thousands of doctors, nurses and health care workers have walked off the job in Italy in opposition to the government’s 2025 budget bill.
Up to 85% of doctors are joining the 24-hour industrial action in some areas, trade unions said, with only service in intensive care wards and emergency rooms guaranteed during the strike.
The unions say some 1.2 million medical services, such as check-ups or non-urgent operations, could be postponed.
The walkout is due to the government’s draft budget for the coming year, with the unions saying health sector measures will leave medical staff struggling with an excessively heavy workload due to understaffing and poor facilities. They criticize the pay level and say the budget does not provide for sufficient investment.
A wave of protests about the planned budget are expected in Italy in the coming days.
A 24-hour strike by railway workers is set for the weekend.
On November 29, the opposition parties and the major trade unions are calling a general strike against the budget.
GNA