Italy launched a nationwide strike against rising living costs, low wages and pensions, and increased military spending. Organized by the USB union, the protests span more than 50 cities, with major marches taking place in Rome and Milan. The actions were joined by public and private sector workers, students, pensioners and people with difficult employment. The port workers opposed the arms trade and the militarization of ports, joined in an international strike by smugglers that flooded more than 100 ports in 22 countries, demanding lower wages, lower energy, rent and mortgage prices and more money for health, education, pensions and social protection. @Belvestnik Chat.