In Italy the main union centre CGIL called a 24 hour general strike in protest at the unemployment and racist immigration policies of the right wing Berlusconi led Government. The strike attracted massive support from CGIL's 5 million strong membership with rallies in over 100 towns and cities. The union’s strike demands can be read here: http://www.cgil.it/Archivio/EVENTI/Sciopero%20Generale%20-%206%20maggio%202011/inglese_sciopero_generale.pdf
On the same day in Portugal, hot on the heels of last week’s €78 billion bailout, 250 000 civil servants took strike action against austerity measures, severely impacting on hospital services and refuse collection: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Portuguese-strike-against-apf-2862560507.html?x=0
