Rome, Nov. 29, (dpa/GNA) – Italian trade unions went on strike on Friday against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s budget plans, with work stoppages primarily hitting the public sector.
Schools, hospitals, post offices and motorway toll booths are all affected, as well as local public transport. Air traffic is expected to suffer disruption between 10 am and 2 pm (0900-1300 GMT).
The protest – officially declared a general strike – is directed against the Meloni government’s draft budget.
The General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) trade union has described the planned cuts and austerity measures as “completely inadequate to solve the country’s problems.”
The coalition of three far-right and conservative parties cites reducing the national debt as its primary goal.
According to forecasts, the national debt will rise to around €3 trillion ($3.17 trillion) this year, leaving the country with one of the highest debt ratios in the world.
The trade unions are demanding higher wages and pensions as well as more money for health, education and the public sector as a whole.
In addition to the strike, demonstrations are planned in numerous cities.
GNA