(18 Oct 2013) Commuters were facing delays in Rome on Friday, as two labour unions staged a major nationwide general strike involving transport, education and health systems.
The strikes were organised by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) and the COBAS (Confederazione dei Comitati di Base) in protest at austerity measures which include a reduction of the entire transport budget, dramatically affecting vehicle numbers and working conditions.
The controversial 2014 budget law was approved by the Italian government on Tuesday, with spending and tax cuts aimed at returning Italy's economy to growth and bringing it under the EU budget deficit ceiling.
Commuters hurried at Rome's Termini Station to catch the few buses still running during the 24-hour strike, which officially began at 0630 GMT.
"I hope people understand this and what the real problems are," commented bus company ticket controller Carmelo Cavallaro.
The nationwide general strike has also been joined by education and health workers, causing many schools to close in the Italian capital, and disruptions to the health services.
Residents of the Italian capital are used to strikes and protests, and there was sympathy for the latest one from commuter Tiziana Rossi.
"If people strike it means they need to express a problem. It's clear that a transport strike affects people's lives, but if things can't be done differently we have to make do with it," she said.
Tuesday's budget included 14.6 billion euros (19.7 billion US dollars) in tax cuts from 2014-2016, including 5 billion euros (6.8 billion US dollars) for workers and 5.6 billion euros (7.7 billion US dollars) for businesses.
Italy had faced a Tuesday deadline to submit the budget to the European Commission, but many Italians remain dissatisfied, and can't see an end to their sacrifices and the economic crisis.
"Transport is a sector which is suffering greatly from the national austerity measures that affect all resources available. What is very serious is the government's project to privatise what is such a strategic sector for the nation, and also, according to my idea of transport, a common good," USB member Mario Pescatore commented.
Protesters were gathering at Rome's Termini Station on Friday to rally against the latest cuts.
Another major demonstration against Italy's government austerity measures was due to take place in Rome on Saturday, with various unions and activists groups.
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