Italian workers struck on Monday over spending cuts and tax increases. Auto plants, as well as opera performers, newspapers and websites were affected by the strike. Some public workers are planning to walk out on Thursday and Friday, while others are planning to strike on December 19. Workers say that the budget cuts disproportionately hurt workers, who are not to blame for the economic problems. The government says that the cuts are necessary.
See "Italian markets nervous as unions strike over cuts", Colleen Barry, December 11, 2011