Guest guest Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 Friday, 25 November 2005, 16:55 GMT Italy paralysed by general strike By Daniel Sandford BBC News, Rome Demonstrators joined huge marches in cities across Italy Large parts of Italy's transport system have been brought to a halt by a nationwide strike. The protest led by the country's three largest unions also closed banks, post offices and government buildings. The action by the unions, which have about 12 million members between them, was against the government's proposed spending cuts in the 2006 budget. Demonstrations took place after the morning rush hour in squares across Italy, including Rome's Piazza Navona. The general strike - the sixth in four years - is the strongest protest yet against what the unions say are damaging cuts in public services. They also say the budget will not help Italy's stagnant economy. The unions want to put pressure on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right government, which faces a general election next year. In most places, public transport stopped for four hours after 0900 (0800GMT). This meant bus, tram and train services almost ground to a halt, though some skeleton services still ran. Air traffic chaos Italians took it all in their stride. Some did not go to work, others made sure they travelled before the strike started. But tourists were caught out. Many were stranded on the deserted platforms of Rome's main Termini Station in unusually low temperatures. American Daniel Turner said " we just flew into today - we've been standing here in the freezing cold for about two hours " . An air traffic control stoppage caused the greatest chaos, with Alitalia forced to cancel more than 200 flights. But by the evening it had got its schedule largely back on track. As well as the transport disruption, government offices were closed and hospitals said they were only operating emergency services. Banks and post offices were also shut. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4468732.stm Dear List Members, Dasha: Ra/Ju/Ra/Ra/Sa. Best wishes, satva Jorge Angelino Rua da Sociedade Filarmónica Perpétua Azeitonense, 29 2925-598 Azeitão Portugal jorge.angelino tel: mobile: 210813674 963916784 Add me to your address book... Want a signature like this? -- Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.8/183 - Release 25.11.2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.