Chieti's public transport will come to a halt on Friday, April 4, 2025, as employees of the local transport company "La Panoramica" stage a 24-hour strike. This action is set to coincide with a demonstration in front of the company's headquarters located at via Picena 52, scheduled for 9:30 AM that day.
The strike is a response to ongoing grievances regarding the lack of adjustments to driving shifts and the increasing travel times that have made working conditions unbearable for staff. Unions representing the workers, including Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Faisa Cisal, have expressed their frustration, stating that despite numerous attempts at mediation, the company has rejected all proposals, citing economic constraints tied to the service contract and the absence of necessary technical documentation from the Municipality of Chieti.
These concerns are not unfounded; a technical report from the Abruzzo Region, released on February 9, 2024, confirmed the urgent need to reorganize the public transport service. The report highlighted that current travel times are inadequate due to heavy city traffic, an increasing number of stops, and vehicle safety measures, which have led to systematic delays and significant inconveniences for commuters.
Moreover, the unions have pointed out that these delays have detrimental effects not only on the commuters but also on the workers themselves, who are subjected to grueling shifts without adequate breaks. They have called for immediate intervention to ensure efficient public transport and dignified working conditions. "Without concrete responses, the mobilization will continue," warned the union secretaries.
In addition to the Chieti strike, parents in Volterra should prepare for disruptions on the same day, as a strike organized by the CSLE - Confederazione Sindacati Lavoratori Europei will affect school transport services. The local school has advised parents to confirm the opening of the school and the presence of teachers before dropping off their children on April 4. The transport service for preschool children will not operate in the morning, though the return service will be guaranteed at the usual time. Similarly, other school levels will also see their outward transport services suspended, with return services confirmed.
The situation is further complicated as the Italian railway sector is bracing for a month filled with strikes that could disrupt travel plans for many. Numerous strikes are slated throughout April 2025, affecting not only trains but also local public transport, airports, and maritime transport services.
The first significant train strike will occur on Friday, April 11, 2025, lasting for 23 hours from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM the following day. This strike has been called by the Usb Lavoro Privato union and will impact both passenger and freight services nationwide. However, travelers should note that there will be no train strikes on April 8 and 9, as a previously scheduled strike for those dates was canceled on March 23.
Local public transport will face multiple strikes in various cities throughout the month. Following the strike in Chieti on April 4, Brescia will experience a four-hour strike on April 11, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Genoa will have an overnight strike from 10:30 PM on April 12 to 2:30 AM on April 13, while Palermo will see disruptions on April 13 from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Foggia will also strike on April 14 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, coinciding with a strike by Naples funicular workers, who will halt services from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The most challenging day for local public transport will be April 26, when a national strike has been declared by the Confail Faisa union for four hours, potentially causing widespread disruptions. Additionally, an air transport strike is set for April 9, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, affecting services nationwide, with a specific strike at Palermo Airport from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the same day.
As April progresses, travelers and commuters should remain vigilant and stay updated on the strike schedules to mitigate the impact on their travel plans. With unions advocating for better working conditions and transport services, the upcoming month promises to be fraught with challenges for public transport users across Italy.
