Europe’s famed safety nets are being stretched thin, at a time when many economies were already skirting recession and wealth gaps have grown. Hardest-hit Italy approved 25 billion euros in measures, including vouchers for babysitters. The workers will be paid 80% of their wages until they are re-hired, hopefully as soon as the economy recovers. Governments have also pledged loans, with Germany offering at least 460 billion euros ($513 billion) in guarantees. Last week, workers at plants across Italy began going on strike or threatening to do so.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 17, 2020 18:56 UTC