Italy general strike Nov 28: Travel disruption warning
Italy faces major disruption on Friday, November 28, due to a planned 24-hour national general strike.
The walkout is expected to severely impact long-distance trains, local transport, ferries, and other essential services across the country.
The strike has been called by unions protesting the Government’s budget plans. They argue that staff shortages, rising costs of living, and stalled negotiations are placing immense pressure on crucial public services like schools and hospitals.
The main union organizations have called for a massive mobilization on November 28, demanding greater investment in essential sectors such as healthcare and education, as well as a reduction in military spending.
Transport services nationwide could operate on reduced schedules or face complete cancellation for the duration of the protest.
Italy’s largest union, CGIL, has also announced a second 21-hour general strike scheduled for December 12, running from midnight until 9:00 PM that same day.
Both protests are scheduled to take place on Friday. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized the timing, publicly suggesting that the unions are aiming for a prolonged weekend.
“What day of the week is December 12?” Meloni wrote on the X platform, adding a thinking face emoji, in a clear dig at the union's scheduling.
Rail commuters travelling to airports are advised to allow extra time. Although flights are not directly targeted by this strike, rail connections to airports may operate on a modified schedule.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
