The Italian CGIL union called a strike on Tuesday that shut down transportation and businesses around the country. The strike was to protest austerity measures that the Italian government is proposing in exchange for loans. The measures were introduced in August, but are undergoing continuous changes. The newest plan would change labor law to make it easier for businesses to hire and fire employees, as well as increasing taxes. An estimated 70,000 people demonstrated in Rome.
See "Italian Workers Strike Against Austerity Measures", Rachel Donadio, The New York Times, September 5, 2011