Train passengers in Italy are bracing for significant disruptions on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, as a nationwide strike is set to affect services across the country. Staff at Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), which encompasses major rail operators Trenitalia, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper, plan to walk out from 9:01 AM to 5:00 PM. This protest, called by six of Italy's major trade unions, including Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Uiltrasporti, follows unsuccessful negotiations with the transport ministry regarding the renewal of collective labor agreements in the rail sector.
The collective labor agreements for the rail sector expired back in December 2023, prompting union leaders to declare that “no agreement that aligns with trade unions’ demands has been found yet.” The unions emphasized that this protest is “necessary” to “defend the dignity of work, [workers’] safety, and the future of the Italian railway sector.”
With about thirty strikes scheduled throughout May, this particular strike on May 6 is expected to impact long-distance, regional, and commuter routes. The overall level of disruption may vary by region, city, and operator, but passengers should prepare for delays and cancellations.
According to Trenitalia, the national rail operator, services “may experience cancellations or changes” due to the strike. However, they plan to operate several essential long-distance services during the walkout. For regional train networks, essential services will be maintained during specific time windows: from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 6 PM to 9 PM. Passengers who have booked Intercity or Frecce journeys for Tuesday and wish to cancel their trips have until the scheduled departure time to request a refund. Those who have purchased regional train tickets must submit their refund requests by midnight on Monday, May 5.
Trenord, which operates numerous services in the Lombardy region, including connections to and from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, has warned that the strike could have “repercussions” on regional, suburban, airport, and long-distance journeys. However, services scheduled to run between 6 AM and 9 AM and between 6 PM and 9 PM on May 6 won’t be affected by the walkout. Additionally, trains departing by 9:01 AM and arriving at their final destination by 10 AM will also proceed as planned.
In the event that airport link services are canceled due to the strike, Trenord has arranged for replacement buses to operate between Milan Cadorna and Malpensa Airport, as well as between Stabio and Malpensa Airport. Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their journeys before setting off, which can be done through the Infomobilità section of Trenord’s website or mobile app, or by calling their support center.
Trenitalia Tper, which operates regional trains in the northeastern Emilia Romagna region, may also experience schedule changes or cancellations due to the walkout. They will guarantee a minimum level of service during the same time slots as Trenitalia: from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Interestingly, private long-distance operator Italo is not expected to be affected by the protest, according to the latest reports. This could provide some relief for travelers relying on Italo services during the strike.
Rail strikes in Italy are not uncommon, but the extent of disruption often hinges on the number of workers participating. Nationwide protests backed by major trade unions typically cause the most significant delays and cancellations. Even during highly disruptive strikes, national operators like Trenitalia and Italo usually guarantee a number of essential services at peak travel times.
For passengers whose trains are canceled due to the strike, Italian transport regulations generally allow them to travel on equivalent services or request a refund. Further information on how to obtain refunds from Trenitalia and Italo can be found on their respective websites.
As the situation develops, travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates regarding the strike and its impact on rail services. Checking the operators’ websites or mobile applications will be crucial for those planning to travel on May 6.
This strike is a clear signal of the ongoing tensions in Italy’s transport sector, as workers advocate for better conditions and agreements. As the rail system prepares for potential chaos, it underscores the importance of dialogue between unions and the government to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of workers while ensuring reliable transportation for passengers.
