Workers will stage a series of multiple sector strikes on Friday 27 March, disrupting public transport, closing schools and affecting parts of the national press. The industrial action reflects growing dissatisfaction over wages, working conditions and the ongoing privatisation of public services.
Public transport is expected to face significant disruption. In Milan, employees of the ATM Milan will strike for 24 hours following a call from the grassroots union Ai Cobas. Services are likely to be most affected between 8.45 and 15.00 and again from 18.00 until the end of the day. The protest targets privatisation and outsourcing initiatives, including the controversial “Milano Next” project and proposals to convert ATM into a special municipal company with free fares across the metropolitan area. Health and safety concerns, as well as pay and working condition improvements, are also central to the dispute.
Other cities will see shorter stoppages. In Naples, workers at the EAV Transport Authority will strike for four hours between 19.00 and 23.00. Novara will see a stoppage at SUN from 17.30 to 21.30, while an eight-hour strike by Arriva Italia employees has been cancelled.
Education sector strike
The education sector will also come to a halt. The SISA union has called a national strike affecting teachers, head teachers, and administrative, technical and auxiliary staff across all levels of education. Demands include a 20% net pay increase, the creation of a single teaching role with equal hours and remuneration, immediate conversion of vacant posts into permanent contracts , and reforms to head teacher selection and specialisation course costs. Proposals also cover the introduction of additional language options in secondary schools and early retirement for staff with significant disability and service years.
Journalists to also strike
Journalists will join the action as well. The FNSI has called a two-day strike, on 27 March and 16 April, citing wage erosion, a decade-long delay in renewing collective agreements and concerns over press independence.
The Italian Publishers’ Federation (FIEG) has criticised the union, arguing that the existing agreements are outdated and that the union has resisted efforts to modernise contracts and introduce flexible measures to hire younger journalists.
The multiple sector strikes reflect an ongoing concern over conditions and pay in Italy.
