The month of May 2025 is shaping up to be a tumultuous time for transport in Italy, with a series of strikes affecting various sectors, including rail and air travel. Initially, a planned airline strike for Friday, May 9, was called off, offering a brief respite for travelers. However, a national train strike on Tuesday, May 6, has been confirmed, alongside other ongoing protests.
On May 5, the transport sector began to feel the impact of these strikes, with workers from the funicular transport company in Naples staging an eight-hour walkout from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, employees of Autolinee Toscane in Prato participated in a four-hour strike, further complicating travel plans for many.
According to the Comissione di garanzia sugli scioperi, the national air transport strike, initially called by the Cub Trasporti union for May 9, has been revoked following intervention from the authorities. This decision is a relief for those planning both domestic and international flights, as it eliminates potential disruptions on that day.
However, the situation remains precarious as the USB Lavoro privato union has confirmed a train strike for today, May 6, 2025. This strike will last eight hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is expected to severely affect train services across the country. The strike was organized due to unresolved issues surrounding the renewal of collective bargaining agreements that expired on December 31, 2023. Union representatives from Filt Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti have emphasized the urgent need for a resolution, stating, "We believe it is urgent and imperative to respond in terms of salary, regulations, and welfare for the approximately 100,000 workers affected by these contracts."
As a result of this strike, passengers are advised to check for cancellations or changes in their train schedules. Trenitalia has issued a statement indicating that travelers can request refunds or reschedule their journeys, depending on the specific circumstances of their tickets. Refunds for Freccia and Intercity trains are available up to the scheduled departure time, while regional train refunds can be requested until midnight the day before the strike.
The chaos is set to continue with additional strikes scheduled throughout May. A four-hour strike for local public transport in Abruzzo and Lombardy is planned for May 7, affecting TUA employees and Autoguidovie staff in several provinces. This strike will also run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Looking ahead, Friday, May 9, is anticipated to be particularly disruptive, with a four-hour strike affecting air transport and related services from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This strike will include workers from Swissport Italia at Milan Linate Airport, among others. The widespread nature of these strikes underscores the significant unrest within the transport sector, driven by demands for better working conditions and contract negotiations.
May 2025 is projected to be a month of significant labor action, with approximately 30 strikes planned across various transport sectors, including railways, airports, and public transport. The strikes are a response to ongoing issues such as workplace safety, staff assaults, and the pressing need for contract renewals.
In addition to the strikes on May 6 and 7, further disruptions are expected on May 11, when machinists and train coordinators from Eav in Naples will strike for 24 hours. On May 13, Busitalia Sita Nord employees in Umbria will also participate in a 24-hour strike.
On May 17, a 23-hour strike is scheduled for Trenitalia staff in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions, which will coincide with a national strike for rail freight transport. The month will conclude with a strike by ATAF workers in Foggia on May 30, further emphasizing the ongoing labor challenges within the transport sector.
The current wave of strikes reflects broader labor tensions within Italy, as workers push back against what they perceive as inadequate responses from management regarding contract negotiations and workplace safety. The unions involved have called for urgent discussions and negotiations to address these critical issues, highlighting the need for a more collaborative approach to labor relations in the transport sector.
As travelers navigate the complexities of these strikes, authorities and transport companies are urging passengers to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing discussions between union representatives and transport authorities will be crucial in determining the future of labor relations in Italy's transport sector.
