ROME, October 24 (RIA Novosti) – Italian workers are holding a 24-hour strike across the country Friday, protesting against the so-called "Jobs Act", proposed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
Protests have been organized by Italian labor unions in the country's major cities, including the capital Rome and the second most populous city of Milan, as well as smaller towns. Public transport has been disrupted as a result of the strikes and some flights to and from Rome have been canceled.
The protests come ahead of a larger series of rallies planned for Saturday, October 25. The rallies have been called by the Italian General Confederation of Labor (CGIL) trade union.
CGIL, along with other trade unions in Italy, including USB, claim that Renzi's proposals undermine workers" rights and will not help reduce economic stagnation .
Renzi's "Jobs Act" includes measures that would facilitate firing rules and make the labor market more flexible. According to the Italian prime minister, simplifying the labor code is the only way to attract investments amid high youth unemployment in the country.
