A planned 24-hour nationwide train strike has been called off. It was scheduled to start at 21:00 on Saturday.
The strike was set to affect regional and long-distance services operated by Trenitalia and Italo, as well as Trenord services in the Lombardia region.
The cancellation follows a decision by the Commissione di Garanzia Sciopero, which issued a provisional resolution introducing new regulations, including guaranteed time slots on holidays and an increased number of guaranteed medium- and long-distance trains. The USB strongly criticised this intervention, arguing that it further limits the right to strike.
In a strongly worded statement, the union accused the commission of favouring employers’ interests rather than mediating between the constitutional rights of strike and movement. “It has become clear that the commission is no longer a neutral body but a guardian of employers’ interests,” the USB stated.
The union condemned what it described as an “illegitimate and late intervention” that changed the rules after the strike had already been announced. As a result, the walkout has been postponed to 18 March.
Meanwhile, disruptions are still expected on Monday, 24 February, as local public transport workers across Italy plan a 24-hour strike. Commuters are advised to check the official transport ministry website for updates on service availability.
The USB reiterated its commitment to defending railway workers’ rights and signalled that it will continue to challenge what it sees as unfair restrictions on strike actions. The union also hinted at possible legal action and further industrial action in response to the commission’s decision.
For official information about public transport strikes in Italy see the transport ministry website.
