A national public transportation strike has been called for February 24, 2025, causing potential disruptions across major Italian cities. The 24-hour strike, declared by various labor unions, will impact metro, bus, and tram services, and is part of protests against insufficient wage adjustments and contract conditions for the 2024-2026 period.
According to reports from ANSA, the strike aims to highlight the urgent need for updated national contracts amid the pressing issue of rising inflation. Union representatives argue for equitable wage increases, reflecting the economic conditions faced by workers.
Each city has set different schedules for service guarantees during the strike. For example, in Rome, services operated by ATAC will run from the beginning of service until 8:29 AM, and then again from 5 PM until 7:59 PM. Outside of these hours, commuters may face significant disruptions.
Similarly, Milano's ATM has announced potential interruptions from 8:45 AM until 3 PM, and again after 6 PM. The union USB states this protest is partly due to unfulfilled requests for negotiations on the renewal of the collective contract for urban transport workers.
Further north, Torino will see similar service patterns with buses being guaranteed from 6 AM until 9 AM and 12 PM until 3 PM. The local union has emphasized the importance of maintaining regular service levels during the specified times, showcasing their commitment to public transportation.
Down south, Napoli is also included, with ANM announcing the strike will occur from 3:01 AM on February 24 until 3:00 AM on February 25. There are specific periods where minimal service will be afforded, such as from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM and then again from 5 PM to 8 PM, promising some level of operation.
Late last week, the unions announced another protest involving the aviation sector, with employees from EasyJet and Aeroitalia scheduled to strike between 12 PM and 4 PM. This could lead to delays and some cancellations, compounding the frustrations for travelers who rely on air services.
The protests are primarily rooted in disputes over existing contracts, as USB has denounced the deterioration of purchasing power amid stagnated wage negotiations. Importantly, they cite data estimating a loss of around 10% of workers' income relative to inflation rates, which has surged past 16% over the last three years.
For commuters and residents, this could be the beginning of what some are dubbing "lunedì nero" or Black Monday, reflecting the gravity of the strike's impact on daily life. The regional governments and transportation authorities have urged citizens to plan accordingly to avoid the inconvenience anticipated due to the strike.
Rome’s taxi services and ride-sharing options might see increased demand as people seek alternatives for their daily commutes. Authorities also advise staying informed through local transport websites and social media platforms for real-time updates about the status of public services.
Several transportation companies are encouraged to maintain clear communication, reminding the public about the guaranteed time frames and advising on any potential service changes as the strike progresses.
This strike serves not only as a catalyst for immediate change but also highlights the broader issue of labor rights within the transportation sector across Italy. With many workers rallying together, the unions aim to draw attention to their cause, pushing for systemic change through their actions.
Whether this strike will achieve the desired reforms remains to be seen, but its impact on the everyday lives of workers and travelers cannot be understated. Discussions surrounding salary adjustments and contract renewals are likely to continue as workers advocate for improvements well beyond this strike.