A 24-HOUR GENERAL strike is underway across Italy today, disrupting travel and government services.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair have cancelled flights to and from Italy today as a result of the anti-austerity strike. The airlines are advising any passengers due to travel these routes today to rebook their seats for free on an alternative flight or to apply for a refund.

The ECB recently urged the Italian government to push ahead with its unpopular €45.5 billion austerity package. Jean-Claude Trichet said it was “essential” that the deficit reduction target would be implemented. The ECB has spent billions in recent weeks on Spanish and Italian government bonds to prop up the struggling economies.

La Repubblica reports that over 12,000 people are marching in each of the cities of Genoa, Turin and Florence today, while in Milan protesters threw eggs at banks. The newspaper also says that some of the actors and filmmakers attending the Venice Film Festival are taking part in the demonstrations there.

Public services, rail transport, city transport and ferries are all affected by today’s strike. CGIL union leader Susanna Camusso defended today’s action, saying that the austerity measures will seriously hamper businesses and employment.

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