General strike planned for Italian industry

Italy's largest union confederation has called a four-hour general strike on 21 February to protest against the decline of the country's productive capacity.

The CGIL union is calling on those working in agriculture, manufacturing industry, construction and handicraft to back the action as they are most directly affected.

Italian industry is facing deep problems which have been particularly highlighted by the crisis at carmaker Fiat, where 5,600 workers have been suspended and an entire plant faces closure.

CGIL argues that the strike is necessary to stop Italy moving towards an economic model based on low pay and greater flexibility at workers' expense. It also plans demonstrations in Milan on 15 March and in Rome on 12 April.

However, its view is not shared by the other main union confederations, CISL and UIL.

CISL general secretary Savino Pezzotta described the decision to call a strike as "a very grave break" in trade union ranks, particularly after the union unity achieved in opposition to Fiat's plans.

He accused CGIL of refusing to discuss its proposed action with the other confederations.

Guglielmo Epifani, the general secretary of CGIL, rejected this criticism. "The CISL has declared itself to be against a 'preventative' strike. It was up to us to provide a lead," he said.