Italians started taking to the streets today at the start of the country's first general strike in 20 years.
The strike shut down many of the country's key businesses in a show of might against planned labour reforms. The eight-hour work stoppage, backed by the three main trade unions comprising 11 million members, began at 9 a.m. Irish time.
The strike was staged in defiance of a bid by the government of right-wing prime minister and business tycoon Mr Silvio Berlusconi to boost competitiveness by shaking up Italy's notoriously rigid labour market.
Workers' anger has been particularly stoked by a clause that the unions say would make it easier to fire employees.
About 200,000 people were expected in Florence for a rally due to be addressed by Mr Sergio Cofferati, leader of the biggest trade union, CGIL, in Florence. Rallies were also called in other cities between Sicily and the industrial heartland in the north.
Workers stopped work in the major industries, air and rail transport was largely halted and schools shut. Motorway toll gates were open to motorists as booth operators went on strike. Italy's journalists also went on strike yesterday to prevent newspapers being published today.
National carrier Alitalia said 30,000 passengers would be unable to fly between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Irish time. "A total of 271 flights out of a scheduled 374 have been cancelled," it said.
AFP