6 September anti-Berlusconi strike in Italy

This is an Italian video about striking workers in 2010.

From daily The Morning Star in Britain:

CGIL to call autumn anti-austerity strike

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Italy’s General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) has called a one-day general strike for September 6 to press the Berlusconi administration to scrap new spending cuts and tax increases.

The six-million-strong CGIL contends that the emergency package of cuts and new taxes will not stimulate growth.

It has also pointed out that the taxes will put an unfair burden on workers because of widespread tax evasion by the wealthy and self-employed.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi‘s cabinet approved the €45.5 billion (£40bn) in spending cuts and tax increases on August 12 under pressure from the European Central Bank (ECB).

The austerity package aims to balance the budget in 2013, undermine employee rights and raise women workers’ retirement age.

On September 6 Parliament will return from a month-long holiday to debate the measures, which Mr Berlusconi insists will convince the ECB that Italy is serious about reducing its debt.

Italian police arrested a businessman today on charges of allegedly extorting money from Premier Silvio Berlusconi to ensure the man’s co-operation in a probe over recruiting prostitutes to attend parties at Mr Berlusconi’s home: here.

France unveils new austerity budget: here.