USB estimates at least one million workers in the streets for the strike

USB estimates at least one million workers in the streets for the strike

(ANSA) - ROME, 30 OTT - Some 1.5 million workers and others took part in Friday's general strike called by the grass-roots trade union confederation USB against war, the cost of living, rearmament, housing woes and other government policies, it said. "Although it is difficult to provide an exact figure," they noted, "there was a huge turnout of students and young people" in over 60 locations across Italy. "Based on an initial assessment of the enthusiastic response to the call for mobilization," the USB stated in a press release, "we can certainly say that we are extremely satisfied—and more determined than ever to continue the struggle against war, austerity, and the ongoing attacks on education, healthcare, the right to housing, wages, and pensions." Student collective OSA said two million people had taken part in the marches across Italy, with thousands of students involved. It said the reasons for popular anger were bringing together throngs of people. "The general strike—coinciding with the global port workers' strike and called by the USB—is massive," said a statement from the young members of OSA (Student Opposition for an Alternative). "At least two million people are out in the streets, including thousands upon thousands of students who have walked out of schools and universities—which have become like 'barracks'—to join the marches. "These are the initial figures, but the crowds continue to grow. "The high cost of living, crumbling and repressive schools and universities, racism, class-based exclusion, war—the reasons for the anger are bringing together throngs of people. "The Meloni government, which sought to block this strike through mandatory work orders, repression, and fear, should just accept it: they cannot stop us!" (ANSA). Read article...