(12 Dec 2014) Thousands of people marched on Friday in Rome to protest government economic reforms that they say erode their rights.
Striking Italian union workers were holding similar marches in more than 50 Italian cities.
The general strike, which shut down basic services across Italy, was the first by two of Italy's largest union groups against a centre-left government, which has traditionally worked closely with the unions.
Premier Matteo Renzi said the right to strike must be protected but insisted his tougher line was necessary to return the economy to growth and create jobs.
The unions were protesting at spending cuts and labour market reforms that will make it easier for firms to fire workers.
Carmelo Barbagallo, the leader of the Italian Labour Union (UIL), addressed protesters gathered in a central square, saying that unions will become "the new resistance".
The strikes created a patchwork of chaos as trains, buses, schools, ports and other services closed down.
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