ITALIAN workers are set to walk out tonight in a 24-hour general strike in protest against the country’s arming of Ukraine as they demanded “lower your weapons, raise your wages.”

Rallies will take place across the country today in most major cities including the capital Rome with the walkout affecting both the public and private sectors. 

Trade unions are angered over the government’s military spending on Ukraine which they say would be better spent on raising workers’ wages at a time when the economy is predicted to slide into recession.