1.
TGV PAN DOWN FROM Colosseum to demonstrators
0.13

2.
SV Workers carrying banners (2 shots)
0.26

3.
SV Man speaking into loud hailer PAN TO marchers
0.42

4.
SV Men using cans a drums
0.56

5.
GV PAN Demonstrators
1.04



Initials BB/0028 GD/TB/BB/0040



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Thousand of striking workers in Rome took part in a one mile (1 1/2 kms) march from the Colosseum to the square of Saint John Lateran on friday, January 12, to heat speeches by union leaders. The marchers were jut a few of about 14-million workers who stopped work on Friday. The nation's three biggest trade union confederations called the stoppages to protest against what was described as "the present conduct of economic and social policy in the country."
Over most of Italy the strikes were staggered to lat only a few hours in any one place. But in Rome, the effect was far more general... there was no public transport all day, milk was not distributed to dairies, food and bread shops and cinemas were shut. Rome airport was closed for two hours and industry in general was halted for four hours. Essential services were maintained.

The general strike was called last month by the unions which claimed that the government was dragging its feet over reforms in the health service, education and public administration. The stoppages involved about three quarters of Italy's work force.

SYNOPSIS: Thousand of striking workers in Pome marched in protest at the Colosseum on Friday supporting Italy's general strike. Fourteen million workers.... three quarters of Italy's work force.... struck for at least part of the day.

The strike a was called by Italy's three biggest trade union confederation to protest against government delays in reforming the health service. education and public administration.

The effects of the stoppage were most severe in Rome where there was no public transport all day, milk was not distributed to dairies, shops were closed and the airport shut down for two hours.

Outside Rome, the strikes were staggered to last a few hours. The stoppages were called by union leaders last month after three months of talks with the government on the economic and social reforms.

The march brought the entire area to a standstill as the workers used private cars in the absence of public transport.