A nationwide public transportation strike is set to disrupt services across Italy on February 24, 2025, affecting millions of commuters. Organized by the USB Lavoro Privato union, the strike is expected to significantly impact public transport systems, including buses, metros, and trams, especially in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Perugia.
The strike has been initiated due to concerns surrounding the lack of response to requests for negotiations over the renewal of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement for transportation workers covering the period from 2024 to 2027. "The protest was declared due to the failure to respond to the request for negotiation for renewing the national collective bargaining agreement for the Autoferrotranvieri Internavigatori 2024-2027," stated the USB Lavoro Privato union.
According to transportation authority sources, the strike will last for 24 hours. During this time, services will have restricted operations with guaranteed service hours varying from city to city. For Roma, Atac has announced the service will only be operational from 5:30 AM to 8:29 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 7:59 PM. The first and last services will operate normally, ensuring some commuters can still utilize public transport, albeit with delays and limited availability.
Similar guarantees have been established for other cities, including Milan and Perugia, where commuters can expect limited service schedules between the strike hours. The USB has highlighted concerns over working conditions and is pushing for substantial improvements, as previous negotiations have failed to yield satisfactory results. The strike follows similar protests, including one on May 6, 2024, where participation was recorded at 34.6% for surface operations and 31.5% for metro and regional rail services.
On February 24, awareness of disruptions isn't limited to public transportation; the aviation sector is also affected, with additional protests planned among staff from EasyJet and Aeroitalia, scheduled from 12 PM to 4 PM on the same day. These coordinated actions reflect growing frustration among workers across various public service sectors.
Urban centers will experience significant disruptions throughout the strike, especially since many depend on efficient public transport for daily commutes. Public announcements from Atac and other transportation authorities caution all travelers to plan accordingly and seek alternative transportation methods on February 24.
Several local authorities and travel agencies have made appeals for patience and cooperation during this period of uncertainty, as transit conditions may vary considerably, even during the guaranteed hours. While leading up to the strike, transport officials worked to communicate the anticipated disruptions as extensively as possible.
Despite the frustration and inconveniences the strike may cause, transportation workers assert their right to voice their concerns over the conditions of their employment and the broader impacts of inflation and economic pressures on their livelihoods.
Observers note this strike exemplifies the rising tensions between labor unions and management across Europe, particularly as workers rally for fair wages amid increasing costs of living. Labor disputes among transportation sectors showcase the interconnected challenges workers face, making collective action increasingly appealing.
Public sentiment remains mixed, with some supporting the workers' right to strike, emphasizing the need for fair wages and conditions, whereas others express frustration over the disruptions, particularly amid busy commuting times. The reality of these strikes reflects the complex interplay between adequate compensation and reliable public services, urging stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.
Looking forward, the USB has indicated it is prepared to escalate actions if their demands continue to go unheeded. This persistent aim to negotiate reflects the union's commitment to securing not just immediate concessions but longer-term reforms aimed at protecting jobs and improving workplace conditions.
February 24, 2025, will mark another chapter in Italy's labor history, one underscored by the pursuit of justice for workers whose roles are pivotal yet often unappreciated. Commuters are advised to remain informed and adaptable as this situation develops.