Festive mood as Italy stops work

The strike is the first of its kind in almost 20 years

By the BBC's Frances Kennedy Rome

Traditional protest songs like Bella Ciao and ironic slogans against the government rang out through the streets of Rome as tens of thousands of striking workers made their way to the central Piazza del Popolo.

A wave of red flags, banners and balloons covered the streets of the capital, which were unusually empty because public transport had come to a standstill.

Families with children, factory delegations, pensioners, teachers and students were joined by leaders of the leftwing opposition.

I want workers' rights to be extended not reduced

Girolamo, protestor

The eight-hour general strike - the first of its kind in nearly 20 years - was called to resist proposed changes to a cornerstone of Italy's labour legislation.

They focus on Article 18, a clause which has until now guaranteed workers the right to their jobs back if they are unfairly sacked.

"I am here because as a geologist I have a precarious temporary job contract. I don't get the protection of Article 18, but I want workers' rights to be extended not reduced," said Girolamo, from Rome.

Strong turnout

"The government needs to know that it can't just stamp on our rights like this," added Giusy, a petite blonde industrial chemist.

'Berlusconi plus Fini equal Mussolini' read the slogan on a fake coffin whose bearers complained that the centre-right government was killing democracy.

Public transport, newspapers and schools are all shut down

Two massive papier-mache puppets depicted Berlusconi as Napoleon and the Pope.

The mood was festive at the rally in Rome, as in protests in cities and towns up and down the country.

In the afternoon, the crowds gradually dispersed as workers looked set to enjoy the remainder of their day off.

Figures on turnout in the piazzas and absence in the workplace were conflicting.

The trade unions claimed there had been a 90% stoppage in industry and in the civil service.

However, at the Fiat factory in Turin management said less than 50% of employees had stayed home.