On Sunday, May 11, 2025, commuters in Italy are set to face significant disruptions as EAV personnel on the Circumvesuviana line will strike for 24 hours. This strike, declared by the O.S. Or.S.A. union, is a response to ongoing "organizational problems" within the company. With the strike expected to impact train services throughout the day, travelers are advised to prepare for potential delays and cancellations.
The strike follows a previous four-hour work stoppage on March 22, 2025, where participation reached 40.31%, indicating that the upcoming strike could have a substantial effect on operations. While the union has called for this action, they have also outlined guaranteed service windows to help mitigate the impact on commuters. Specifically, trains will operate between 05:30 and 08:30 in the morning and again from 16:30 to 19:30 in the evening.
For those planning to travel during the strike, the last guaranteed departures before the work stoppage will include trains leaving from Napoli to Sorrento at 08:05, Poggiomarino at 08:14, Sarno at 08:10, and Torre Annunziata at 08:26. Meanwhile, the first departures post-strike will commence with trains from Napoli to Sorrento at 17:05 and other routes resuming shortly thereafter. Travelers are encouraged to check the latest updates and schedules to avoid inconvenience.
Additionally, May 6, 2025, will see another significant disruption as a national train strike is scheduled from 9:00 to 17:00, involving personnel from major rail operators including Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato, Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper, and Trenord. This strike is rooted in frustrations over stalled negotiations for renewing the national collective mobility contract and the FS company contract, both of which expired on December 31, 2023.
Unions Filt Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti have organized this strike to advocate for better working conditions and contract negotiations. They have expressed that while there have been some significant steps forward, a coherent mediation plan that aligns with their demands is still lacking. In a joint statement, they emphasized the urgency of addressing salary, regulations, and welfare issues affecting approximately 100,000 workers in the sector.
As the strike approaches, Trenitalia has warned passengers that train services may be canceled or altered during this period. However, they will also provide a list of minimum guaranteed services, which will be available during peak travel times. Passengers are advised to consult official channels for the latest information regarding train schedules and potential cancellations.
Moreover, this national strike is just one of more than 30 planned strikes throughout May, which will affect various modes of transport including buses, funiculars, and airports. For instance, on May 7, local public transport in Abruzzo and Lombardy will be disrupted, and on May 8, there will be a four-hour strike by Sitaf personnel, the concessionaire for the A32 Torino-Bardonecchia.
The situation will intensify on May 9, when a four-hour national strike is planned for aviation and airport personnel, alongside actions at Milan Linate airport and protests from handling companies across Italy. This series of strikes highlights a growing trend of labor unrest in the transportation sector, driven by dissatisfaction with working conditions and contractual negotiations.
On May 11, as EAV workers in Naples strike for 24 hours, the transportation landscape will continue to face challenges. Following that, on May 13, Busitalia Sita Nord personnel in Umbria will also strike, contributing to the ongoing disruptions.
As the month progresses, the situation remains fluid with more planned strikes, including a 23-hour national strike on May 17 affecting freight transport workers and Trenitalia personnel in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. On May 19, workers at Amt in Genoa and Atm in Messina will strike for 24 hours, followed by further actions in Molise and Lombardy later in the month.
These labor actions underscore a tense climate within the transportation sector as unions continue to push for better conditions and responses from employers and the government. Union representatives have stated that without concrete responses from the companies, further mobilizations cannot be ruled out. They describe the ongoing strikes as a necessary measure to protect the dignity of work, safety, and the future of the Italian railway system.
As travelers prepare for these disruptions, it is crucial to stay informed and plan accordingly. With the potential for widespread cancellations and delays, passengers are encouraged to check official transport websites and customer service lines for the most current information regarding their journeys.
In summary, May 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging month for transportation in Italy, with multiple strikes planned across various sectors. Both commuters and transport workers are navigating a complex landscape of negotiations and service disruptions.