21 March 2012
![Striking metalworkers from the FIOM union wave flags [9 March 2012]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s6B3NCcvKxI8Vsw4b6MXAYCFEx95-Ujib5uw3lMtK1vjpOs6ng0_X-PuOoYKxIEnvFVTmzK2Xp4mA122vY41i7zNSV_cczCD_ab4OkbxDIhqUfB9XoN23ck0KMr0KJGcYGTwl1MuafRUW25pUamdE=s0-d)
Italy's unions have already held strikes in protest at the government reforms
Italy's largest trade union, the CGIL, says it will hold a general strike over plans to reform employment laws.
After weeks of talks, Prime Minister Mario Monti said he wanted the changes, making it easier for companies to sack staff, approved by the end of the week.
Maurizio Landini, a CGIL leader, said its members were "ready for anything" if Mr Monti pressed on with the changes.
The reforms also offer companies fresh incentives to take on new staff.
