Italy is preparing for a nationwide 24-hour general strike on Friday, 20 June. It is expected to disrupt air, rail, and local public transport services across the country.
The strike will affect both public and private rail services from 9pm on Thursday, 19 June, until 9pm the following day. Passengers should anticipate cancellations and delays on long-distance Frecce and Intercity trains as well as regional services.
Trenitalia has confirmed that essential services will run during peak weekday hours: from 6am to 9am and from 6pm to 9pm. Passengers are advised to check the Trenitalia website for detailed information.
Flights
The airline sector will also be impacted by the strike, with airport workers including baggage handlers, ground staff, and contractors participating. This could cause flight delays or cancellations throughout Italy on 20 June.
Passengers flying that day are urged to confirm their flight status with their airline. The civil aviation authority ENAC provides updates on strike schedules and guarantees flights between 7am and 10am and from 6pm to 9pm, in line with Italian law.
Local Public Transport
Commuters in major cities including Rome and Milan should expect disruptions to buses, subways, and trams. Service timetables during the strike vary by city.
In Rome, services will run from the start of the day until 8:30am and again from 5pm to 8pm, according to the ATAC website. Milan’s ATM will guarantee transport until 8:45am and from 3pm to 6pm.
Motorways and Ferries
The strike will affect motorway operations, with toll booths closed from 10pm on Thursday until 10pm on Friday, leading to possible traffic congestion.
Ferry services will operate only minimum guaranteed runs on the day of the strike.
Strike Demands
The action has been called by several grassroots unions including USB, CUB, SGB, FISI, and FLAI. They are demanding a reduction in military spending and increased investment in healthcare, education, transport, and workplace safety.
Other key demands include wage increases, contract renewals, shorter working hours, and opposition to privatisation and job insecurity.
For official updates on transport strikes in Italy, visit the Transport Ministry website.
