On Friday, April 11, 2025, a significant wave of protests and strikes swept across Italy, spearheaded by the climate activism group Fridays for Future Italia and the labor union SiCobas. The day was marked by a global climate strike alongside a nationwide general strike affecting multiple sectors, emphasizing the urgent need for climate justice and improved working conditions.
Fridays for Future Italia organized demonstrations in over twenty cities, calling for climate and social justice. The movement urged participants to "manifest in every form for climate and social justice, for every tenth of a degree less in warming." This call to action resonated with many, as the group highlighted the alarming reality that the average global temperature had already risen more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels in 2024. They stressed the importance of a just transition towards ecological sustainability, demanding job creation in environmentally beneficial sectors and a grassroots planning approach to address local needs.
Christian Ferrari, the confederal secretary of Cgil, expressed support for the climate strike, stating, "The mobilization for a just transition is necessary more than ever. The climate crisis advances dangerously, driven by government inaction." This sentiment echoed throughout the day as demonstrators gathered in cities like Turin, Milan, and Rome, among others.
In Turin, a rally was set to take place at 9:30 AM in piazza Statuto, while in Milan, protesters gathered at largo Cairoli. Other cities, including Trento, Verona, and Bari, also hosted events aimed at raising awareness about climate issues. The movement's demands included halting harmful industrial practices and addressing the social inequalities exacerbated by climate change.
Simultaneously, SiCobas initiated a general strike that affected public and private sectors, including schools, healthcare, and transportation. The strike was organized to protest against rearmament plans, cuts to social spending, and layoffs. SiCobas also called for wage adjustments to combat inflation and improve working conditions. A protest march was scheduled to start at 3:00 PM from varco Albertazzi (San Benigno) towards the city center of Genoa, where significant disruptions were anticipated.
In Genoa, the strike led to operational challenges for public transport services. Amt Genova warned of potential disruptions, particularly in waste collection services. Despite the challenges posed by the strike, the city braced for a significant turnout as workers and students united in their demands for change.
The day also saw a regional train strike affecting Trenitalia Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta, which was called by the Orsa Ferrovie union. From 3:00 AM on April 11 until 2:00 AM on April 12, regional train services faced cancellations and delays. Trenitalia assured that some services would continue during designated guarantee time slots, but commuters were advised to check for updates due to the ongoing strike.
The climate strike and general strike were not isolated events; they were part of a broader movement advocating for systemic changes to address the intertwined crises of climate change and social injustice. Fridays for Future Italia's message resonated with many, emphasizing that "those who want peace should prepare for life," a call to action for a future built on equity and sustainability.
As the protests unfolded across Italy, the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for labor rights reform became increasingly clear. The dual strikes highlighted the interconnected nature of these issues, with activists and workers alike demanding immediate action from policymakers.
In addition to the rallies, the day was marked by a sense of solidarity among various groups advocating for change. From students participating in the global climate strike to union workers standing up for their rights, the collective action demonstrated a unified front against the challenges facing society today.
As the sun set on April 11, the echoes of chants and slogans filled the streets, a reminder that the fight for justice—both climate and social—continues. The events of the day served as a powerful testament to the strength of grassroots movements in effecting change and holding those in power accountable.
Looking ahead, the momentum generated by these protests may influence future policy discussions and inspire further actions aimed at addressing the pressing issues of climate change and workers' rights. As the world grapples with these challenges, the voices of activists and workers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
