{"id":820109,"date":"2025-01-15T10:12:40","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T16:12:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/15\/thousands-of-workers-march-across-italy-in-general-strike-demanding-better-pay-and-services\/"},"modified":"2025-01-15T10:12:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T16:12:40","slug":"thousands-of-workers-march-across-italy-in-general-strike-demanding-better-pay-and-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/15\/thousands-of-workers-march-across-italy-in-general-strike-demanding-better-pay-and-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands of workers march across Italy in general strike demanding better pay and services"},"content":{"rendered":"<article aria-labelledby=\"articleTitle\" data-wcm-id=\"fe9c1b0c-06fd-4352-9f36-842b8fdb3780\">\n<header aria-label=\"Beginning of Article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p>Author of the article:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Associated Press\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a78256cb32a2d8681dc2df9afa609931?s=70&#038;d=mp\"  aria-labelledby=\"wire-company-name\" height=\"70\" width=\"70\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Associated Press<\/p>\n<p>Colleen Barry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>Published Nov 29, 2024<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 <span>2 minute read<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=MK__Inqq1NSSpSn7DJqGnw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=1th7DTWEM6ITL9dUV0Gpwg 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=k5sS71_K1WqwATZxvOO7wQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=9vdgDm1XrmYho1XJb0kjmQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=WbVvVvR_yKp2ELBRyPoD3w, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=QENWmlvmWjj0wiwJP9etXg 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=x4fSQDaBQoXTVQ2DOqpyJQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=HrBMTmXXhWTDkq_Tt2sV_A 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=PUNiIZhCXh4mW2iAGRXwZQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=RDhXnMSZkUESN1H1fovbEw 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Demonstrators gather during a public and private sectors' national strike called by the labour unions to protest against the government's budget law in Milan, Italy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=M28mP3OD360UR6krAGuSHA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=M28mP3OD360UR6krAGuSHA,\n                    https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/italy-strike.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;sig=7zt5h0VJyYjlxQSGfjO1QQ 2x\" height=\"750\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span>Demonstrators gather during a public and private sectors&#8217; national strike called by the labour unions to protest against the government&#8217;s budget law in Milan, Italy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. <\/span> <span>Photo by Luca Bruno<\/span> \/<span>AP Photo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section>\n<p>MILAN \u2014 Thousands of teachers, health care workers, trash collectors and others walked off their jobs across Italy on Friday to protest a decline in spending power, persistently low salaries and government policies they say have weakened public services.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-aqa=\"identity-sign-in\" data-async id=\"article-block\">\n<header>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Toronto Sun\" height=\"37\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/17.8.0\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\" width=\"280\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<h3>Recommended Videos<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s most powerful trade unions called the eight-hour strike and mobilized marches in cities across the country to target Premier Giorgia Meloni\u2019s latest budget that they say penalizes schools, health care and other services. They also are pressing for a more equitable distribution of profits from private companies to workers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese protests don\u2019t just speak to the government,\u201d Maurizio Landini, head of the powerful CGIL conglomerate, told reporters in Bologna. \u201cThey speak also to entrepreneurs, managers and businesses, who in these years have made profits like never before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The strike forced ITA airlines to cancel dozens of domestic and international flights, and hit schools, hospitals and local transport. Unions called for an eight-hour strike but Transport Minister Matteo Salvini imposed an injunction limiting the strike in the transport sector to four hours.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div aria-labelledby=\"YourMiddaySun6940728437179132093186687555862528\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-aqa=\"widget-newsletter\" data-newsletter=\"single\" data-newsletter-component data-target-list=\"TORSUN_YourMiddaySun\" data-widget=\"newsletter\">\n<p>By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>It was the first general strike since last November. Unions faced possible sanctions for involving the health care and justice sectors, which have staged strikes recently. The Italian railway, which also has been the target of recent labour actions, was exempted.<\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s health care sector has been suffering staffing shortages that has forced the hiring of nurses from abroad, with care in the poorer south particularly lagging that in the more prosperous north.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are many people who go abroad because the salaries are too low,\u201d said Anna Salsa, a member of the UIL health care union, at the demonstration in Rome. \u201cWe are forced to do double shifts to give the minimal levels of essential care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Protesters also cited persistent increases in the cost of basic necessities. Despite indications that inflation is cooling, the Codacons consumer protection lobby said that grocery costs for a family of four have risen by 238 euro (US$251) a year in 2024 compared with last year, forcing many families to reduce their consumption.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>While starting salaries in Italy are aligned with the rest of Europe, pay increases do not keep pace, said Maurizio Del Conte, a labour law expert at Milan\u2019s Bocconi University. As a result, Italy\u2019s gross median salary of 35,000 euros (nearly $37,000) a year is at the low end of European averages, well behind its G7 partners in France and Germany.<\/p>\n<p>He noted that such protests are historically more influential when engaging centre-left governments, which are friendly to unions, rather than conservative governments, such as Meloni\u2019s far-right-led government.<\/p>\n<p><em>\u2014 Paolo Santalucia contributed from Rome.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p> Associated Press <br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/torontosun.com\/news\/world\/thousands-of-workers-march-across-italy-in-general-strike-demanding-better-pay-and-services\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Author of the article: Associated Press Colleen Barry Published Nov 29, 2024 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read Demonstrators gather during a public and private sectors&#8217; national strike called by the labour unions to protest against the government&#8217;s budget law in Milan, Italy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Photo by Luca Bruno \/AP Photo MILAN \u2014 Thousands of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":820110,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[598,198],"tags":[6176,5910],"class_list":{"0":"post-820109","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-thousands","8":"category-workers","9":"tag-thousands","10":"tag-workers"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=820109"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820109\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/820110"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=820109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=820109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=820109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}