Lest you think the only major strike currently underway is a group of screenwriters, turn your attention over to Italy. A group of truck drivers have, through a nation-wide strike, stuck a deadly blow to the country's economy.

The New York Times reports one immediate effect is a gas shortage across the country, prompting an emergency gas-rationing system. Stations were flooded with drivers searching for petrol, effectively creating a seven-hour long queue.

(Click through for more on the effects of the strike in Italy.)

Worse yet, striking drivers aren't leaving their rigs at home but in the streets, clogging roads while letting loads of produce rot in public. Don't look for the sanitation department to clean any of that up; their union is one of many who are involved with the strike.

The entire strike was aimed at Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and it's clear his administration is increasingly worried over the situation. A deputy prime minister told the Times the strike was a "very strong blow" to the economy, particuarly since the holiday season is just around the corner.

Prodi's government has offered a 12-point plan to the striking workers; union officials will meet overnight to vote on its acceptance.

+NY Times: Italy Struggles under Truck Strike