Italians showed the power of the general strike when millions of Italian workers staged the biggest strike in decades. They are protesting new proposed rules by the pro-business premier, Silvio Berlusconi. From the NY Times:
The main impasse is over a reform that would eliminate rules requiring employers to take back workers found to have been fired for “unjust causes.” Employers complain those rules hamper their ability to get rid of unneeded workers. Under the proposed reform, employers would have to pay the workers compensation but not take them back.
The government insists the reforms are necessary to make the Italian economy more competitive and attract foreign investment. The unions say the reforms will cost dearly in hard-won job security, widen the gap between rich and poor and undermine Italy’s social stability.
One day there will be the resurrection of American labor.
Hevean forbid a person want job security. I’d be pretty pissed about a reform like that too.
I’m glad I don’t have a job. :\