Italian cities brace for disruptions as public transport unions announce strikes set for February 24, impacting services across major metropolitan areas.
The USB union has called for a 24-hour strike of local public transport starting on Monday, February 24, which could lead to significant service interruptions. Milan's transport company, ATM, indicated potential disruptions between 8:45 AM and 3 PM and again from 6 PM until the service ends for the day. Similarly, Atac, the transport operator for Rome, warned of possible service outages from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, along with post-8 PM hours.
This mobilization is primarily aimed at renewing the national contract for transport workers amid rising inflation. On the same day, travelers can expect disturbances at airports due to another four-hour strike involving pilots and crew of Aeroitalia and EasyJet, impacting operations between noon and 4 PM.
Earlier, there had been plans for a national railway strike from 9 PM on February 22 to 9 PM on February 23, organized by the USB union for contract negotiations but this has since been called off, ensuring regular train services from Trenitalia. “For the days indicated, the circulation of trains will be normal,” the company stated.
While the strike for train workers is off, public transport and air travel disruptions loom. The anticipated strike on February 24 promises to affect bus, tram, and metro services nationwide, though local guidelines are expected to vary. The ATM employees continue to negotiate for increased wages and the improvement of working conditions, particularly focusing on safety and hygiene issues.
Unions are demanding pay raises of 150 euros per month for transport workers to address the rising cost of living, with resistance to the 'Milano Next' initiative, which proposes externalizing transport services. This push for enhanced conditions marks significant labor unrest as inflation pressures workers across various sectors.
Strike activity persists as part of broader labor movements across Italy, with multiple sectors seeing workers advocating for their rights and benefits. Authorities are advising commuters to stay updated through official channels, including the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's website, which outlines all strike-related information.
Overall, February 2025 is shaping up to be challenging for public transportation users across Italy, as unions seek adequate responses from employers to pressing economic conditions.