On February 24, 2025, Italy is braced for widespread transportation strikes, disrupting public transit services including buses, metro systems, and trams across major cities. The strikes, organized by several labor unions, primarily aim to protest the lack of progress on contract negotiations and inadequate workplace conditions.
The USB union has spearheaded the protest, scheduled to impact Milan, Rome, and Perugia among other regions. Specifically, the USB union denounced the failure to convene discussions for renewing the national labor contract for public transport workers for 2024-2027. This strike is expected to last for 24 hours, with different cities implementing designated “guarantee hours” where limited service will continue.
According to USB, the impacts will be felt most significantly between 8:45 AM to 3 PM and again after 6 PM, as workers halt their duties. The union stated, "The decision to strike stems from the lack of response to our request for negotiations,” highlighting the urgency with which they seek resolution.
Meanwhile, the situation is complicated by additional strike actions announced by other unions such as Filt Cgil and Uilt Uil, which will exacerbate interruptions to Metro services. On the same day, workers at EasyJet and Aeroitalia are expected to join in solidarity by refusing to work between the hours of 12 PM and 4 PM, potentially affecting numerous flights across Italy.
Milan’s public transport agency, ATM, confirmed this morning, “Metro A, B, and B1 remain operational, but with reduced schedules,” whereas Metro C shuttered its operations after disallowing the morning rush. Similarly, many cities are establishing measures to limit the disruption, asserting, “Essential services will function during designated hours.”
Rome, whose public transportation system is operated by Atac, has indicated grounding for buses and trams will predominantly occur, especially during peak hours. The transport agency reiterated, “Service will be maintained from the start of operations until 8:29 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.” The union’s intentions mainly revolve around demands for improved contract conditions and safeguarding workers' rights against growing incidences of violence.
Notably, union officials highlighted alarming trends of physical and verbal aggression against transport personnel, stating, “These occurrences not only endanger employees but also compromise passenger safety,” pressing for immediate government intervention to mitigate these risks. A growing dissatisfaction from transport sector workers has prompted this coordinated national response, reflecting broader frustrations within Italy’s labor market.
Beyond operational disruptions, commuters should also expect challenges as government and local authorities scramble to provide minimal service levels. This concurs with earlier instances of similar actions by these unions over the past year, reflecting relentless pressures workers face amid economic constraints.
Local transportation authorities have offered reminders about the service guarantees during the strike, specifying, “Buses departing prior to the start time of the strike will reach their destinations.” Citizens are urged to utilize social media platforms of their respective local transit authorities for live updates.
With unrest palpable on multiple fronts, from labor rights to employee safety, this transportation strike poses significant challenges to Italy’s mobility and economic engagements. Onlookers are left to ponder whether formidable union actions will bring about the changes workers are fighting for or if the disruption will simply taper off with no lasting reform.
Looking forward, if negotiations are not brought to the forefront, workers might continue staging these disruptive strikes until their demands are met. This situation warrants attention, highlighting systemic issues within public transport systems and emphasizing the important dialogue around employee rights within broader societal structures.
Italy’s transport networks have historically been the backbone of public commuting, and current events remind citizens and authorities alike of the fine balance between operational needs and the rights of the workforce. The day’s events will serve as significant reminders of the collective power of workers to shape discussions surrounding labor agreements and workplace safety.