ROME — A union of Italian metal workers has led thousands of people in a march through the heart of Rome to press the new government for measures to spur job creation.

FIOM union leader Maurizio Landini said Saturday's protest was held because Italy is ''going nowhere" in terms of signs of economic growth amid a stubborn recession. The union is aligned with a left-wing labor confederation.

After weeks of political paralysis following inconclusive elections in February, Italy now has a ''grand coalition" government, including bitter rivals from the center-left and center-right blocs in Parliament.

Unemployment for young people is at about 39 percent, while the overall jobless rate is 11.5 percent.

The previous government used spending cuts and higher taxes to battle Italy's debt. Italians are demanding job creation measures soon.