Tens of thousands of Italian workers are taking part in rallies as part of a general strike to protest against labour reforms and budget cuts by the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The strike, called by Italy's largest and most left-wing trade union, is causing chaos in the transport sector with air, rail and local transport severely affected. Industrial production in many areas is also expected to come to a halt. It is the second general strike this year and comes amid a growing dispute over labour rights following the recent announcement by car maker Fiat of plans to lay off a fifth of its workforce.

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