The Italian transportation sector is facing significant disruptions as unions prepare for nationwide strikes on February 24, 2025. The protests will see public transport, including buses, metros, and trams, come to a standstill, impacting major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. On the same day, flights with EasyJet and Aeroitalia are also expected to be severely affected.
According to reports from various news outlets, the strikes are organized by the USB union. Public transport services across Italy will be at risk for 24 hours, beginning early on the 24th, fundamentally changing how residents and travelers navigate the country. EasyJet and Aeroitalia crews are expected to partake in a related four-hour strike scheduled from noon to 4 PM, likely resulting in cancellations and delays for various flights.
The main motivation behind this planned strike stems from demands related to the renewal of the national transportation contract. Union representatives, including those from USB, have insisted on the necessity for salary increments, particularly against the backdrop of rising inflation, which has adversely affected workers’ livelihoods. The USB union articulates the need for "real contractual renewal, at least covering inflation," thereby highlighting the union’s determination to address salary inadequacies and work conditions.
Several cities will implement varying strike schedules. For example, operatives of ATM S.p.A. (the public transport company in Milan) will halt services between 8:45 AM and 3 PM, followed by another service interruption starting at 6 PM until the end of services. Public transportation users can expect guaranteed service before the strike hours and during specified breaks.
Similarly, the ATAC agency managing public transport services in Rome will permit limited operations from early morning until 8:29 AM and between 5 PM and nearly 8 PM. Meanwhile, Napoli's public transportation, operated by both Anm and Eav, will maintain just enough service to accommodate commuters during specific hours, namely from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM and again between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Further adjustments will be seen across the nation. Turin’s local transport will operate within designated windows of time from 6 AM to 9 AM and 12 PM to 3 PM, whereas service interruptions will extend across the extra-urban services. Reports indicate these strike measures are necessary as many workers feel their salaries have not adequately risen to meet the demands of living costs spiraling upwards.
While preparation for this disruption continues, additional developments have arisen concerning earlier announced rail strikes set for the weekend prior (February 22-23). Just days ago, the USB union announced the postponement of these train strikes, now rescheduled for March 18, 2025. This decision reflects underlying tensions and frustrations within the labor forces, particularly surrounding new regulations introduced by the commission overseeing strike protocols, which some union leaders argue limits their rights.
During this volatile period, travelers are cautioned to stay informed through official channels, as transportation companies are expected to update service availability during the strike period. The National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has indicated they will provide updated lists of guaranteed flights during the times affected by air service strikes.
This potential upheaval extends far beyond just inconvenience for travelers; it symbolizes growing unrest among transport workers, advocating not just for immediate salary improvements but for sustainable working conditions. Workers across cities echo the sentiments of USB officials who maintain, "The strike reflects the dignity of transport workers who deserve not only fair wages but also democratic working environments." Each successful negotiation could redefine not only operational frameworks for transportation but also set precedents for industry-wide standards.
With February winding to its conclusion, tension continues to rise as prospective strike actions loom. This event serves as more than just another labor dispute; it speaks to larger systemic issues embedded within Italy’s public transportation sector. Residents of Italy can expect continued updates as the date approaches, with the overarching need for equitable wage practices and working conditions at the forefront of both public discourse and labor negotiations. A unified front among transport workers could spark discussions around the future of labor rights and the socio-economic landscapes shaped by them.