Union leaders call for one-day strike

ROME, Italy (AP):

Italian union leaders are calling a one-day general strike for September 6, saying new spending cuts and taxes are unfair as they will penalise workers.

CGIL, a left-leaning labour confederation, announced the date yesterday.

Union leaders contend that Premier Silvio Berlusconi's emergency package of spending cuts and new taxes won't stimulate growth, but the taxes will put an unfair burden on workers drawing paycheques because of widespread tax evasion by the self-employed.

Parliament returns to work September 6 after a monthlong vacation, to debate austerity measures. Berlusconi insists that will calm financial markets and convince European central bankers Italy is serious about reducing its huge debt.