The rank-and-file USB trade union has called a 24-hour general strike for Monday 18 May, with transport, schools, healthcare and public administration all expected to be affected. The action is framed around opposition to military spending and solidarity with Gaza.
Italy faces potentially widespread disruption to public services on Monday after the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), joined by the USI trade union, called a general strike for 18 May. The 24-hour walkout will affect transport networks, schools, nurseries, healthcare and public administration across the country.
USB has framed the strike around both domestic and foreign policy grievances. The union is calling on the government to end what it describes as Italy’s complicity in ongoing conflicts, halt rearmament, and redirect public spending away from defence towards wages, pensions, housing, healthcare and education. The strike declaration makes explicit reference to the Global Sumud Flotilla appeal. It also expresses solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The actual scale of disruption will depend on participation rates in each sector, which will vary by region and institution.
Transport
Public transport networks across Italy face significant local disruption, though each city will maintain guaranteed service windows — the details of which are to be confirmed in the coming days. Air travel has been exempted from the strike action.
Schools and Public Administration
Schools and nurseries may close depending on the level of participation among teaching staff and support personnel. Families will be informed by individual institutions in accordance with current regulations. Public administration offices are also expected to be affected.
Healthcare
Routine scheduled appointments, laboratory tests and non-urgent surgical procedures may be postponed. Emergency and urgent healthcare services will remain guaranteed throughout the strike.
