Public service workers protest in Rome

Striking Italian public service workers have marched through the streets of Rome as part of nationwide industrial action.

Unions called workers to a nationwide general strike early on Friday. The workers are from the country's transport, health care, public administration and education sectors. They are protesting what the union calls "massive" budget cuts and lay-offs.

Transport walkouts triggered the most disruption, with commuters left stranded at train stations and bus stops across the country.