On March 21, 2025, a nationwide strike affecting local public transport disrupted services in major Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, and Turin. The reason for this industrial action stems from demands by transport workers for significant improvements in their working conditions.
The key issues driving the strike include a request for a €300 salary increase and a proposal to reduce the working week from 39 hours to 35 hours while maintaining current pay levels. Workers are also advocating for a reduction in driving hours and changes to work schedules, emphasizing their need for a healthier work-life balance.
In addition to monetary and schedule adjustments, striking employees are calling for enhanced safety and health protections within the workplace, which they believe are essential for both themselves and the users of local public transport. Moreover, they seek to halt impending privatizations and related tenders that threaten the integrity of public transport services.
In response to the strike's planned impact, transport authorities in various cities are attempting to manage disruptions. In Rome, the Atac network, which operates much of the city’s public transport, confirmed that while the strike would affect services, regular operations would continue during designated hours: from the beginning of the day until 8:30 AM and then from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Milan’s transport agency, Atm, announced that transportation services would not be guaranteed between 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM, and again after 6:00 PM on the same day. This interruption may cause inconveniences for commuters and travelers relying on public transport for mobility throughout the city.
Over in Turin, Gtt, the city's transport network, will offer some services despite the strike. They plan to maintain operations for urban services, metro lines, and customer service centers during morning rush hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In contrast, particular extra-urban services, such as the Cooperative Bus Service Line 3971, will remain operational only between service start and 8:00 AM, then later from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
The ongoing strike illustrates a broader struggle within the transport sector regarding working conditions and job security. Unions representing transport workers have stressed the urgency of their demands, particularly in light of rising living costs and the burdens of intensive work schedules.
The strike has garnered public attention and support, as many commuters express solidarity with the workers’ demands. Social media buzzes with discussions surrounding the implications of privatization within public transport; advocates argue that privatization could lead to diminished service quality for passengers.
Transport unions warn that these issues are indicative of systemic problems within Italy's public service sector, where the affordability and accessibility of public transportation are paramount. Workers emphasize that improvements to wages and working conditions will ultimately benefit the quality of service provided to the public.
As the strike unfolds, transport authorities will likely engage in discussions with union representatives to navigate these challenges and explore potential solutions. Whether the demands for pay increases and reduced work hours will be met remains uncertain; however, the commitment of transport workers to advocating for their rights signals a nationwide concern that could reshape public transport in Italy moving forward.
Ultimately, while the disruptions may inconvenience many, they also shine a light on significant labor issues affecting the entire transportation system in Italy.
