February 2025 is shaping up to be a tumultuous month for transportation services across Italy, as multiple strikes promise to disrupt mobility nationwide. The wave of labor actions, affecting everything from railways to urban public transport, is rooted in frustration over stagnant wages amid rising living costs.
The first notable disruption begins on February 8, with significant impact anticipated on regional train services throughout Sardinia. The action, organized by prominent labor unions such as FIT-CISL, UILT-UIL, UGL Ferrovieri, FAST-Confsal, and ORSA Ferrovie, is set to commence at 9:01 AM and last until 5:00 PM. During this period, service on several routes will be affected, though unions promise some trains will continue to operate during peak hours, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays. This measure seeks to minimize inconveniences for passengers during peak travel times.
The situation escalates the following day, February 9, when another round of strikes is scheduled, compounding challenges for commuters. Both Trenitalia and urban transport systems will be affected across several regions, particularly Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta. The unions claim their actions are prompted by mounting exasperation over unaddressed salary issues. The first strike announced by ORSA Ferrovie will last for 24 hours, commencing at 3:00 AM and concluding at 2:00 AM on February 10. This strike threatens considerable delays and cancellations, particularly for regional train services.
During the same day, additional union action will affect sales and customer service staff, crippling assistance at ticket counters and customer service areas. This will likely result in delays and difficulties for passengers attempting to purchase tickets or seek information about journeys. Unions have indicated they will also adhere to mandatory minimum service levels during peak times.
Compounding the turmoil, preparations are underway for yet another strike on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, which will wreak havoc on public transport services within Milan. This labor action, announced by the Al Cobas union, aims to address worker grievances centered around salary stagnation compared to rising inflation—a situation many workers feel has not been properly addressed by metropolitans or local governing bodies.
"Dove è finita la promesso d'aumento del 18% della paga dei tranvieri?" expresses serious discontent, phrased by union leaders highlighting the gap between promises made and real economic relief for workers.
Al Cobas elaborates, stressing the non-viability of the current salary structures, stating, "Se non si aumentano i salari, pochi saranno disponibili a fare il mestiere del conducente." This essence of job insecurity emanates from labor frustrations bubbling over, signaling deep-rooted systemic issues beneath the operational surface of Italy's public transport services.
The disruptions tied to these strikes are expected to reach beyond train schedules. Urban transport systems, particularly those run by ANM, will also face hours-long closures on February 9, reducing services for tram, bus, and funicular transport systems, which operate within Milan and surrounding areas.
To facilitate planning, specific information about service interruptions and adjustments will be available via the Trenitalia website and customer service avenues. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, staying updated about changes to services to manage their travel effectively.
It remains to be seen whether the unions' calls for wage increases and improved working conditions will result in substantial negotiations with local and national transport authorities. The precarious financial state of many public transport employees, compounded by economic strains, has turned the month of February 2025 not just red with Valentine’s - but also with the red flags raised by workers demanding change.
Across Italy, the ripples of these labor actions remind both authorities and citizens of the importance of fair labor practices and the urgent need to address the growing disparities affecting public service workers. With these strikes looming, travelers can expect significant hurdles over the coming days, as unions put forth their demands for justice amid unrest.