ROME (Reuters) – A national strike called by two unions against the government’s draft 2025 budget led to numerous disruptions on Friday in Italy: cancellation of flights, canceled metros and buses, closure of schools, health services at slowed down.

The CGIL, Italy’s largest union, opposes spending cuts on social security, public services and investment cuts, while the UIL, another influential union, demands an increase in the budget allocated to accidents from work after a series of incidents.

Council President Giorgia Meloni is facing growing social discontent due to the government’s efforts to reduce the public deficit, in line with Brussels’ demands.

The strike is not supported by the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Unions (CISL).

CGIL general secretary Maurizio Landini told a rally in Bologna that participation in the strike was high.

“Places as full (like this) show that we are on the right track,” he said.

While the strike was initially expected to last one day, Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini this week signed an injunction limiting work stoppages to four hours to limit disruption.

While trains and freight services were not affected by the strike, other transport sector employees were allowed to walk out for the entire day.

The Italian government in October approved a draft budget for 2025 providing some 24 billion euros in tax cuts and increased spending, as well as a reduction in income tax and social security contributions for middle and low income people.

(Report by Giulia Segreti, by Etienne Breban, edited by Sophie Louet)

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