On February 14, 2025, the city of Milan is set to face considerable transportation disruptions as public transport services—including metro, buses, and trams—will be affected by a 24-hour strike organized by the AL Cobas trade union. With significant portions of the city's commuting public relying on ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) services, this strike coincides with one of the busiest days of the year—Valentine's Day.
The strike officially commences at 8:45 AM and will last until 3 PM, resuming after 6 PM until the end of service. ATM has confirmed through their official channels, "Il servizio delle nostre linee non è garantito dalle 8.45 alle 15 e dopo le 18 fino al termine del servizio", highlighting specific times when services will not be guaranteed. This lack of operational certainty has commuters concerned about their travel plans.
This protest arises as ATM workers demand fair treatment amid rising living costs and deteriorated working conditions. The union's key grievances include opposition to the liberalization and privatization of current transport services, which they are arguing against, as well as calls for wage increases to counteract the loss of purchasing power. AL Cobas reports, "contro la liberalizzazione, privatizzazione e gare d'appalto dei servizi attualmente gestiti dal Gruppo Atm..." indicating frustration over unkept promises for salary raises, which have left workers feeling undervalued.
Commuters are advised to take this disruption seriously, planning alternative transportation methods accordingly. Expected outcomes include possible overcrowding on remaining buses and taxis, as well as increased traffic congestion. With schools and businesses operating as usual on Valentine's Day, the potential for chaos looms large.
Further complicate matters is the inherent unpredictability of public response to the strike. While some may attempt to use alternative methods such as biking or electric scooters, others may find themselves inevitably caught up in long waiting times and delays. Students, workers, and tourists alike may need to leave home significantly earlier to navigate these obstacles.
Despite the challenges posed by the strike, it serves as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions between labor and management within the ATM company. Workers are not only fighting for immediate wage increases—15% increments were promised but not realized—they are also demanding safer working conditions amid rising incidents of aggression against transport personnel. Their motivation is both personal and collective, representing their working rights and the public's need for reliable transportation.
Throughout the strike, it’s imperative for commuters to stay informed. The ATM website provides updates and important announcements on service availability, so following their communications will be key to mitigating travel disruptions.
Meanwhile, reactions to the impending strike have varied. Some city officials have expressed concern about the possible extent of disruption, particularly due to the timing—February 14 is notorious for heavy traffic, with many commuters traversing the city for Valentine’s plans.
Looking beyond the day's strike, the issues at the forefront of this labor action reflect broader tensions impacting the region’s transport system. Workers are also pushing for the 'reinternalizzazione' of services currently outsourced, placing full operational responsibility back within the ATM group under municipal control, which aligns with their philosophy to preserve public welfare over profit maximization.
Despite the inconvenience, there lies hope for productive discussions between the union and management post-strike. The goal will be reconciling the needs of the employees with the demands of efficient public transport—a reconciliation integral to keeping Milan's wheels turning smoothly.
Commuters are encouraged to remain patient and take personal responsibility when planning their travel for February 14. With the strike confirmed, residents and visitors should prioritize their routes and factor in the potential chaos of the day, as widespread disruptions to metro, bus, and tram schedules seem inevitable.