GENOA, March 19, 2025. Commuters in Genoa and across Italy face a challenging week as two significant strikes threaten to disrupt public transportation services. The national train strike slated for today, March 19, will be followed by a local public transport strike in Genoa on March 21, both led by major transport unions.
The train strike, organized by the Ugl Ferrovieri, Slm Fast Confsal, and Orsa Ferrovie, began at 9:00 AM and is expected to last until 5:00 PM. This work stoppage is set to affect employees across major transport companies, including Trenitalia and Trenord. In a message to passengers, Trenitalia reported that travelers may experience service changes even before the strike begins and after it concludes formally.
For those planning to travel via train today, Trenitalia has laid out a refund policy for customers. "Passengers can request refunds for Intercity and Frecce trains up to the departure time and for regional trains up to midnight on the day before the strike," stated a company representative. Additionally, they can opt to reschedule their journeys under similar fare conditions, depending on seat availability.
Looking ahead to March 21, Genoa’s public transportation network is also bracing for a strike, proclaimed by the Ugl Autoferro union. This stoppage is scheduled from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM for urban transport services, affecting both bus and metro lines. Furthermore, staff members working in ticket offices and customer service will cease operations until 12:15 PM on this day, although services for individuals with disabilities will remain guaranteed.
According to the provisional plan, provincial transport staff will strike from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with provincial ticket offices closing from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Furthermore, rental services will only be available to customers who made bookings prior to the strike announcement.
The Genoa Casella Railway will also experience disruptions, with staff going on strike from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, mirroring the urban transport schedule. The implications of this strike are significant, as everyday commuters who rely on public transport to travel to work or appointments now face considerable uncertainty.
During the last train strike on September 18, 2023, 24.82% of the urban transport operators joined the work stoppage, showing a notable level of participation, while there were zero metro driver participants during that instance.
In conjunction with the disruptions in Genoa, there are reports of additional strikes targeting various transport services across Italy on March 21. Labor unions have come together to call for significant changes in the public transport sector, demanding wage increases and better working conditions. The reasons for this action include calls for a €300 salary increase and a reduction in the standard workweek from 39 to 35 hours while ensuring the same pay.
One union representative stated, "The mobilization is aimed at demanding a €300 wage increase and a reduction in weekly working hours from 39 to 35 hours." These demands reflect a growing concern among transport workers regarding working conditions and the pressure they face from rising living costs.
As this week unfolds, commuters across Genoa and wider Italy must stay informed following the developments in city transport and potential alternatives. For those in Genoa, updates and more information can be found on the official AMT Genoa website, which is expected to provide details on the extent of service availability amid the strikes.
Not only does this situation reflect specific tensions within the transport sector, but it also highlights larger issues of labor disputes that have been brewing across various industries lately. With increasing public and media interest in these strikes, the actions of unions and labor organizations may prompt significant discussions around public service employment and its future viability in ensuring adequate transportation options for millions of people.
Overall, as the clock ticks away toward Friday’s local transport strike, and considering today’s disruptions with the national train service, the impact on daily commuters cannot be understated. In the coming days, citizens are urged to the reliable transport media channels for updates and guidance on how best to navigate through this turbulent transportation phase.
