A nationwide 24-hour strike is taking place in Italy in the public and private sectors. It is organized by the largest union - the General Confederation of Labor CIGL. It is aimed at the government's budget plan for next year.
With the exception of air transport, all other modes of transport are participating in the strike. Public and medical services, education and other sectors are also involved.
Demonstrations, protest marches and rallies have been organized in all regions.
The CGIL announced the strike against, in its opinion, an "unfair budget plan", "which does not support wages and pensions, does not invest in basic public services and does not respond to the social emergency in the country". The union identifies the main issues that need to be addressed: taxation, wages, health, safety and health at work, pensions, insecurity and poverty, industrial policies, welfare and rights.
It is proposed that the funds be taken "from excess profits, from great wealth, from tax evasion, as well as with a solidarity contribution of 1% of the assets of the richest people in the country".
The strike, which affects nearly 38 million workers, "is also against the arms race, which burns hundreds of billions instead of being used for decent wages, adequate pensions, social rights, public education and accessible healthcare for all".