Italians Launch General Strike against Austerity

BBC New, Sept 6, 2011

Millions of Italian trade union members are thought to be taking part in a day-long strike against the government’s latest austerity measures.

Flights have been cancelled, trains and buses are stationary, and government offices have been shut across Italy.

The government has faced criticism over a 45bn-euro (£40bn) austerity package, and has been scrambling to revise it.

"This is a plan the country doesn’t deserve," said CGIL union leader Susanna Camusso, marching through Rome.

CGIL, which called the general strike, is Italy’s largest union federation.

It is demanding stronger action against tax dodgers and continuing job protection.

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