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Italy trade unions strike over Renzi's labour reforms Italy trade unions strike over Renzi's labour reforms
(about 7 hours later)
A general strike is disrupting transport across Italy as rallies get under way in more than 50 cities, including the capital Rome. A general strike has paralysed transport and shut schools and hospitals across Italy, as workers protest against labour market reforms.
Trade unions are protesting against the government's bid to reform labour laws. Scuffles broke out between the police and some protesters in the northern cities of Milan and Turin. Rallies took place in all major cities.
They insist the current regulations are necessary to protect workers from being sacked by unscrupulous companies. Trade unions say the government's reforms would endanger job security by making it easier to dismiss workers.
But Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says the planned reforms are essential for his government to lift Italy's economy out of years of stagnation. But Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says Italy needs mobility of labour.
He believes employment laws must be loosened to boost the labour market and has made the new legislation the centrepiece of his government's policies. The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) leader will have to find a way to overcome the striking unions' opposition - something his many predecessors failed to do, the BBC's James Reynolds reports from Rome.
Thousands of union members took to the streets on Friday morning from Milan in the north to Palermo in the south. Economic malaise
The general strike shut down basic services like local transport and ports across Italy and left many schools closed. Mr Renzi is under pressure from his European partners to revive the Italian economy - Europe's fourth largest - which is mired in recession and laden with debt.
The industrial action is the first ever by two of Italy's largest union confederations against a centre-left government. His flagship reform is a "Jobs Act" aimed at loosening workplace restrictions and reducing Italy's 43% youth unemployment.
The unions say existing regulations are necessary to protect workers from being sacked by unscrupulous companies. They fear the spread of a "hire-and-fire" culture.
Angelo, a metal worker, told the BBC in Rome: "If there are demonstrations every day in Italy it's not because people are stupid, but because they're tired that the government always takes it out on the most vulnerable groups."
Thousands of union members took to the streets on Friday, from Milan to Palermo in the south.
The industrial action is the first-ever by two of Italy's largest union confederations against a centre-left government.
Centre-left administrations have traditionally had close relationships with the unions.Centre-left administrations have traditionally had close relationships with the unions.
Correspondents say it is a sign of internal discord within Mr Renzi's own party, with some members of his Democratic Party joining the marches.Correspondents say it is a sign of internal discord within Mr Renzi's own party, with some members of his Democratic Party joining the marches.
In recent years, a series of Italian governments have tried and failed to reform the country's employment laws and Italy's economy remains in recession. In recent years, a series of Italian governments have tried and failed to reform the country's employment laws.
GDP has fallen by 0.4% in the past year, and in the decade to 2010 only two countries had lower GDP growth than Italy - Haiti and Zimbabwe.GDP has fallen by 0.4% in the past year, and in the decade to 2010 only two countries had lower GDP growth than Italy - Haiti and Zimbabwe.
Are you taking part in industrial action? Have you been affected by the strikes? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you taking part in industrial action? Have you been affected by the strikes? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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