Trade unions and student organisations put on a big show of force to protest against the policies of Premier Matteo Renzi's government on Friday with a general strike and rallies throughout the country.
The strike caused massive disruption, with public transport services badly affected.
Organizers said over 50 rallies were taking place in cities nationwide.
The strike was called by two of Italy's three big trade union confederations, the CGIL and the UIL.
It is being staged to contest the government's controversial Jobs Act labour reform, which weakens protection for newly hired workers against unfair dismissal in a bid to encourage firms to take on staff.
It has also been called to protests against 2015 budget bill, which features 15 billion euros in spending cuts, plus 18 billion euros in tax cuts aimed at boosting the recession-hit economy.
President Giorgio Napolitano said that Friday's general strike was a sign of tension between trade unions and Renzi's government, adding that such friction was not good for the country. "The general strike called today is undoubtedly a significant (sign of) tension between the unions and the government," the head of State told reporters in Turin. "It's good for there to be reciprocal respect, not the bitterness that today is a sign of. It's is not good for the country". Tension has been especially high in recent months between Renzi and Italy's largest trade-union confederation, the leftwing CGIL, especially its metalworkers arm FIOM.
CGIL leader Susanna Camusso has accused Renzi of not being open to dialogue, while Renzi has said the government does not have to negotiate with unions when it is making policy.
Additional tension in run-up to Friday's general strike was caused by Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi's decision to impose an injunction to prevent rail workers taking part. Lupi's reversed that decision late on Thursday.
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