ROME (Reuters) - Italy's big three unions staged a general strike Tuesday to protest against the government's economic policies -- their fourth nationwide stoppage since Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi took power in 2001.
Factories, trains, banks and planes will come to a standstill for between four and eight hours and union leaders plan rallies in more than 70 towns and cities across Italy.
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The walkout comes just days after Berlusconi announced 6.5 billion euros ($8.6 billion) of tax cuts for 2005, helping him regain the political initiative after months of infighting within his center-right coalition.
Unions have denounced the package, saying it benefits the rich and offers little help to workers who are feeling the pinch after more than three years of meager economic growth.
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