Medical visits, operations postponed across Italy as doctors stage strike

Medical visits and operations were postponed across Italy on Friday as thousands of hospital workers walked off the job over contract renewals.

Unions said that as many as 5 million visits and medical tests as well as 45,000 operations were expected to be postponed as a result of the walkout. Emergency service would be guaranteed, they said.

The doctors are protesting stalled negotiations over contract renewals.

Also Friday, public transport workers in Milan staged a strike that idled most buses, subways and trams during commuting hours, leaving stranded commuters to walk to work or form long lines at taxi stands.

Italy has been hit by a series of strikes recently.

On Thursday, hundreds of Alitalia flights were grounded as flight attendants walked off their jobs, while gas stations have announced a walkout this month to protest government measures aimed at liberalizing the market.