Rome: Commuters in Italy are scrambling to find the few buses and subway trains running during a one-day general strike that is also affecting air and rail travel, banks, public offices and schools.
The nationwide strike on Friday was called by Italy`s biggest labour confederation.
The mass transit walkout was set to last for four hours at morning or evening rush hours.
Flight personnel were set to strike from 10 am to 2 pm (0800-1200 GMT), and railway workers from 2 pm to 6 pm (1200-1600 GMT). Alitalia changed departure times to ensure intercontinental service and reduced domestic and European flights.
Union leaders want the government to ease taxes on salaried workers in a country where the self-employed often evade taxes. They also demand more investment to create jobs.
Bureau Report
