Budget strike hits Italian capital transport links
- 11 years ago
Transport chaos ruled in Rome on Friday with surprised commuters having to walk to work.
Major strikes and protests by Italy's largest unions halted buses, trains and flights.
They're calling for a renewal of contracts, increased wages and a reduction of working time.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) PROTESTER, AIDA UTAGGIO, SAYING:
"We are here to protest. Because they are demolishing the social state. We are tired, we are fed-up, we can't live this way. They are continuing to cut and ask for enormous sacrifices, only and exclusively from us. Enough is enough."
Italy has been in a recession for over two years.
The country's new budget, unveiled this week, has been attacked by employers, unions and most of Italy's media.
And it hasn't gone down well within the already fragile government.
Some senior politicians in Prime Minister Enrico Letta's ruling coalition party have virtually disowned the package.
And former Prime Minister Mario Monti
Major strikes and protests by Italy's largest unions halted buses, trains and flights.
They're calling for a renewal of contracts, increased wages and a reduction of working time.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) PROTESTER, AIDA UTAGGIO, SAYING:
"We are here to protest. Because they are demolishing the social state. We are tired, we are fed-up, we can't live this way. They are continuing to cut and ask for enormous sacrifices, only and exclusively from us. Enough is enough."
Italy has been in a recession for over two years.
The country's new budget, unveiled this week, has been attacked by employers, unions and most of Italy's media.
And it hasn't gone down well within the already fragile government.
Some senior politicians in Prime Minister Enrico Letta's ruling coalition party have virtually disowned the package.
And former Prime Minister Mario Monti