Italy’s proposed austerity measures prompted scores of trade union workers to take part in protests across the country on Tuesday, forcing flight, train, and bus cancellations.
Unions say that the austerity cuts, which are around $68 billion in total, do not do enough to create new jobs and place more pressure on the common worker.
“We are striking against measures that are unjust," Susanna Camusso, the head of the largest union in the country, CGIL, told The Associated Press. “We are striking against measures that are irresponsible and which put all of the burden on public sector workers.”
The Italian Parliament is poised to pass the austerity cuts legislation later this week at the behest of the European Central Bank, reported Reuters. However, some of the original planned cuts were phased out of the bill after sharp criticism.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said Monday that urgent measures “capable of reinforcing … efficiency and credibility” are needed after the stock market recently sent an “alarming signal,” according to the news agency.
