Union strikes target Italian cities

Tens of thousands of union workers marched through more than 50 Italian cities to protest government economic reforms that they say erode their rights.

Non-union, anti-government protesters clashed with police in some cities, including Milan, where students dressed as Santa Claus jumped the fence at a regional government office building and threw bottles and other objects. Police dispersed that protest with tear gas; authorities said 11 officers were injured.

The general strike, which shut down basic services across Italy, is one of the largest by two of the nation’s most powerful union groups against a centre-left government, which had traditionally cosied up to unions. The strike created chaos as trains, buses, schools, ports and other services closed down.