Today’s general strike in protest against the 2025 budget, organised by CGIL and UIL trade unions, marked a pivotal moment in Italy’s ongoing political and social discourse.
The eight-hour strike, which affected both public and private sectors, concluded peacefully, with the exception of Turin.
Maurizio Landini, leader of CGIL, Italy’s largest and most left-leaning trade union, delivered a powerful call to action during a rally in Bologna. “We want to turn this country upside down and, to do so, we need the participation of all people,” Landini said.
He highlighted the importance of collective action in confronting injustice, stating, “Social revolt means saying that every one of us must not turn the other way in front of injustice. On the contrary, it is necessary to promote the idea that we can change the situation only by working together.”
Landini accused the government of undermining fundamental rights, including the right to strike, and referenced a controversial decree under parliamentary discussion. “Parliament is discussing a decree, which is called a security decree, and we are asking for it to be withdrawn. It vies to turn strikes, roadblocks, and squatting in factories when they close into crimes,” he said, calling the measure “a serious attempt at an authoritarian turn that questions the freedom to exist and people’s freedom.”
A Nationwide Movement
Simultaneously, Pierpaolo Bombardieri, leader of UIL, addressed a rally in Naples, responding to criticism from Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. “It seems to me that Salvini has not wasted insults. He told us that we are extremists, that we are ridiculous, and those insults were perhaps aimed at the people filling out 40 squares in this beautiful country, who demand to be heard, to change the choices made so far,” Bombardieri said.
He emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, saying, “The democratic, peaceful demonstrations were staged to demand change.”
The general strike, which disrupted various sectors, excluded rail transport, which had already been affected by action the previous weekend. The unions had appealed to Lazio’s regional administrative tribunal (TAR) against a back-to-work order issued by Salvini for transport workers. However, the TAR rejected an appeal presented by a number of unions, although CGIL and UIL stated that this was not the appeal they had filed.
Impact Across Sectors
The strike’s effects were felt nationwide:
- Transport: Air traffic controllers, buses, metro services, and ferries stopped for four hours, as mandated by Salvini’s back-to-work order. Planes were grounded from 10 am to 2 pm, while local public transport and maritime services halted from 9 am to 1 pm.
- Firefighters: Participated in the strike from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Other Services: Schools, healthcare, postal services, public administration, stores, and factories were also impacted.
- Taxi services were unavailable for the entire day.
In total, over 40 demonstrations were organised in cities across the country.
Union Demands
CGIL and UIL demanded salary increases, better funding for healthcare and education, and greater investment in public services and industrial action. Their grievances reflected growing dissatisfaction with the government’s budgetary decisions and their perceived impact on ordinary citizens.
