Train passengers across Italy should prepare for significant rail disruption during the weekend of 23-24 November as railway staff stage a 24-hour strike.
The strike, called by various trade unions, will run from 21:00 on Saturday, 23 November, until the same time on Sunday, 24 November, according to Ferrovie dello Stato.
The action will affect both regional and long-distance services operated by Trenitalia and private operator Italo. In addition, Trenitalia Tper and Trenord services in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia regions will face disruptions.
The OSR ORSA Railways Union will strike separately in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions from 03:00 on 24 November to 02:00 on 25 November, impacting interregional services. Airport connections may also experience delays or cancellations.
The unions have called the strike to demand the renewal of a national collective agreement, improved workplace safety, and greater rights for workers. Since the strike falls on a weekend, usual weekday rules guaranteeing rush-hour services will not apply.
Railways excluded from national strike on 29 November
Separately, rail services will not be part of the general strike planned for 29 November, the CGIL and UIL trade union confederations confirmed on Tuesday. The general strike is being held in protest against the government’s 2025 budget law.
The national strikes commission had urged unions to exclude the transport, health, and justice sectors from the action. While CGIL and UIL complied by excluding railways, other public transport, including buses, trams, and underground services, may still be affected.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini stated he would act if the general strike causes widespread disruption without ensuring guaranteed service periods for commuters. “If a wildcat strike disrupts millions of Italians, depriving them of access to health, work, or education, I will intervene as the law allows,” said Salvini.
He acknowledged that excluding railways was “a step forward” but warned against repeating the chaos seen during past strikes.
The CISL union, Italy’s second-largest, is not participating in the general strike, which will affect both the private and public sectors.
Information on transport strikes can be found on the Transport Ministry website.
