ROME – An 8-hour general strike took place Wednesday in five Italian cities to protest recent tax reform, pensions, industrial policies, health and schooling, among other issues, said police. Disruptions to transport, schools and the post office were expected.

 The demonstrations were held in Rome, Milan, Bari, Cagliari and Palermo and organised by trade unions CGIL and UIL.

 In Rome the event was centered in Piazza del Popolo, where general secretaries Maurizio Landini and Pierpaolo Bombardieri were present and six workers took to the stage to share their testimonies.

 A recent IRPEF reform means those earning over 38,000 euros will benefit from tax reductions, while the poorer are ‘penalised.’

 Both unions criticise the reform, with leaflets at the events saying, "it does not redistribute wealth, it does not reduce inequalities and it does not generate balanced and structural development and stable employment.” They are demanding tax reforms “worthy of the name.”

 Meanwhile, CGIL secretary Landid said, “the distance between the political palace and the country is increasing. We are giving a voice to the social unease that exists in this country.”

ln