ROME-Thousands of city employees  protested in Piazza Campidoglio Tuesday against possible salary cuts, saying they felt “humiliated and exhausted.”  According to the Labour union's estimates, more than 10,000 people gathered in the square. Some have been walking up the stairs of Palazzo Senatorio, where they have been pulling out banners.

 In Rome the traffic increased in the absence of traffic wardens who had guaranteed their assistance until 11am in case of accidents only. Protesters included administrators, educators, and regular citizens who support their cause. “This square today represents all the indignation towards the absurd politics of Rome’s mayor Marino,” said Francesco Croce of UIL (Italian Employment Union), “Instead of attacking the real squanderers, they attack the weaker who are the only ones working for this city.”

 People have been shouting “Marino, are you sure you’re sure?” or “Marino resign!.” An anonymous protester commented, “Why do we have to pay our own salaries? They could cut the salaries of managers who earn a large amount of money. Marino is not stepping up to the promises he made.”

 Many have been wearing t-shirts saying, “Thanks to Marino I will be selling umbrellas,” or “Thanks to Marino I will wash car windows at traffic lights.”

 In response to the protests, Ignazio Marino stated, “The Anci (Italian Municipality National Association) wrote on May 2 to the The Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Public Administration. Now we have to wait for an answer from the state. If the answer is positive, I will be glad to include the supplement in their May wages.”

 The mayor continued by stating that nobody can force him, not even the Labour unions, to go against the state laws. “It is necessary to operate fast, because one cannot reduce 1100 euro salaries by 200 euros bringing regular office employees to a state of poverty.”

 Mr Marino explained that he is including all municipialities of Italy into the discussion. “It is a problem present not only in Rome, but all over Italy.”