ITALIANS ON MASS STRIKE
Unions protest reforms
Tens of thousands of union workers marched through more than 50 Italian cities on Friday to protest government economic reforms that they say erode their rights.
Non-union, anti-government protesters clashed with police in some cities, including Milan, where students dressed as Santa Claus jumped the fence at a regional government office building and threw bottles and other objects. Police dispersed that protest with tear gas. Eleven officers were injured.
The general strike, which shut down basic services across Italy, was orchestrated by two of the nation’s most powerful union groups against a centre-left government that traditionally cozies up to unions.
The strike created chaos as trains, buses, schools, ports and other services closed down.
Premier Matteo Renzi said the right to strike must be protected but insisted his tough line is necessary to grow the economy and create jobs.
In a sign of discord within his own Democratic Party, some of its members joined the marches. Stefano Fassina, a former deputy economics minister, told Sky TG24 it was important that someone from the party marched alongside the workers.
Susanna Camusso, the leader of CGIL, Italy’s largest union, led a protest march in Turin, headquarters of automaker Fiat. She said changes need to be made “with and not against the people.”
The unions are protesting spending cuts and labour market reforms that make it easier for companies to fire workers. Renzi passed the reforms in a bid to attract foreign investment.