Italian Senate approves 'Colosseum' decree limiting strikes

(ANSA) - Rome, November 5 - The Italian Senate on Thursday approved an emergency decree to ensure the smooth running of key heritage sites such as the Colosseum and Pompeii, and to limit strikes which have led to unexpected closures in recent months.
    The so-called "Colosseum decree" was approved by 138 to 67 in the upper house. The decree aims to prevent similar embarrassments like the situation caused on September 18, when visitors to Rome's famous Colosseum found the arena closed due to a union meeting.
    It classifies cultural heritage sites as "essential services", requiring a more complex procedure for unions wishing to strike.