Transport strike hits Italy

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 5 - A major local transport strike hit Italy Saturday with widespread disruption to bus, tram and metro services expected.
    The local public transport strike called by the autonomous union Orsa is underway throughout Italy and, at a local level, also by some other grass-roots unions.
    The subways are closed in Rome, and there is a major risk of disruption in all cities even though the 24-hour strike excludes the so-called 'guarantee bands' from the beginning of the day until 8:30 and then from 17:00 until 20:30, when services will run normally.
    Milan is excluded from the protest, after it was banned for reasons of public order, due to the Inter-Torino Serie A match and a large pro-Palestinian demonstration. (ANSA).