Strike by Italian air traffic controllers set to disrupt flights

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A strike by air traffic controllers across Italy is set to disrupt travel plans today.

Five unions have called a for a four hour stoppage between 1pm and 5pm.

The action is in protest at a government restructuring of the transport sector.

Italian air carrier Alitalia says it expects around 40 per cent of its domestic and international flights to be cancelled.

In a separate dispute the employees at Alitalia are set to strike on April 5 over 2,000 job cuts and slashed salaries. The airline is facing fierce competition from low-cost carriers like Ryanair, and has announced a restructuring plan.