Strike to affect Italy's transport and school services.

A national general strike scheduled in Italy on Friday 8 March is set to disrupt the country's education, healthcare, transport services provided by the public and private sector.

The 24-hour strike, which coincides with International Women's Day, has been called by numerous trade unions to protest over violence against women and to support women's rights.

The feminist movement Non Una di Meno also invites women to strike on 8 March "against patriarchal violence in all its forms", with demonstrations expected in cities across Italy.

The industrial action is set to disrupt some Trenitalia and Trenord services from midnight on Thursday until 21.00 on Friday night.

However most rail services on Friday are guaranteed during the busiest commuter times - from 06.00 to 09.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00 - with full information available on the companies' websites.

The strike could also affect the opening of public offices as well as catering and cleaning services in kindergartens, schools, hospitals and health facilities.

A statement on the Rome city website reads: "On Friday 8 March 2024, a general strike was proclaimed in all public and private sectors for the entire working day. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

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