- Title: ITALY: National strike brings Italian transport system to halt
- Date: 13th March 2010
- Summary: ROME, ITALY (MARCH 12, 2010) (REUTERS) PEOPLE STANDING AT EMPTY BUS STATION WITH NO BUSES PEOPLE QUEUING FOR TAXIS (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) BUS DRIVER MARCO FRIZZI SAYING "Up until now there has been really strong support for the strike and there have been serious problems for passengers." PEOPLE WALKING THROUGH EMPTY BUS STATION (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) PASSENGER MICHAEL
- Embargoed: 28th March 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Italy
- Country: Italy
- Topics: Economic News
- Reuters ID: LVA9SBPSH7BI9TVBYTMUOMBL1MUM
- Story Text: Buses, trams and metro trains grind to a halt as a four hour national strike hits the Italian transport sector.
A four hour national strike called by one of Italy's largest unions brought the transport sector to a halt on Friday (March 12) as buses, trams and metro trains stopped running.
The CGIL union called the strike to protest about economic measures used by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government.
Flight staff, school teachers, hospital and bank employees will also take part in the strike.
Rome's main bus depot was deserted on Friday with people queuing forlornly in the hope a bus would arrive.
"Up until now there has been really strong support for the strike and there have been serious problems for passengers," said bus driver Marco Frizzi happy with the turn out of the strike.
Many people appeared to have been caught unawares by the lack of transport.
"Certainly there have been problems, people trying to get to work have just been unable to do so," said labourer Michael Panu.
The stranded passengers showed little solidarity for the striking workers.
"The strike just causes problems for passengers," said Silvana Tinto who had been waiting for a bus for over an hour.
"It's ridiculous, they are just causing problems and they won't resolve anything," said two nuns caught up in the chaos.
With metro stations padlocked shut many commuters joined long lines waiting for taxis, which were few and far between.
"All the traffic is at a standstill, there aren't any taxis other than the illegal ones that try and charge you 70 euro - its a huge problem," said Alessandro Stella waiting in line for a cab.
Thousands of union supporters have taken to the streets all over the country to voice their concerns about a fiscal system they wish to see improved with more benefits for workers and pensioners alike. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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