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The strike was called by some of Italy’s major trade unions, including CUB, CGIL, UIL and COBAS, in mid-October in protest against the government’s 2025 budget plan, which include cuts to spending on social security, citizen services and public transport, according to union representatives.
The walkout was confirmed earlier this month after the government showed “no willingness to address our demands,” CGIL leader Maurizio Landini said.
Around 50,000 workers around the country are expected to take part in Friday’s protest, according to the latest media reports.
Demonstrations are expected to affect the transport sector – from air travel to local public transport and taxis – as well as healthcare and school services at both public and private institutions.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said the strike won’t affect rail services, meaning scheduled regional and long-distance train journeys should go ahead as normal on Friday.
Air travel
People flying to, from or across Italy may face delays or cancellations on Friday, with the overall level of disruption faced by passengers expected to vary by airline and airport.
Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways said in a statement on Sunday that it had cancelled 39 domestic flights scheduled for Friday, with Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate being the worst-affected hubs. You can see a full list of cancelled flights here.
Further cancellations couldn’t be ruled out as the company advised anyone who’s meant to be travelling with them on Friday to check the status of their flight before setting off for the airport.
ITA said that passengers affected by cancellations or changes to scheduled departure times would be able to rebook their journey free of charge or, in the case of cancellations or delays of over five hours, get a full refund by December 4th.
READ ALSO: What are my rights in Italy if a flight is cancelled or delayed?
No carrier other than ITA Airways had announced flight cancellations as of Tuesday afternoon.
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Though the protest doesn’t fall under Italy’s general strike, Italy-based pilots and cabin staff working for Hungarian budget airline WizzAir also plan to walk out for 24 hours on Friday.
WizzAir flights headed for or departing from Italy may be affected by delays or cancellations as a result of the demonstration.
Local public transport
Local public transport services including metro lines, buses, trams and ferries are expected to be hit by delays and cancellations on Friday, with the level of disruption faced by commuters set to vary by city and operator depending on the number of workers participating in the protest.
According to Italian media reports, commuters in major cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples, are all likely to experience significant disruption, though the strike may also have an impact in smaller cities and towns.
Milan’s main public transport company ATM said the protest may affect its lines from 8.45am to 3pm and from 6pm until the end of service.
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Rome’s major public transport operator ATAC said the strike may impact its metro, bus and tram lines from 8.30am to 5pm and then from 8pm until the end of service.
Autolinee Toscane, which operates bus services in the central Tuscany region, said that services scheduled from 4.15am to 8.14am and then from 12.30pm to 14.29pm will go ahead as normal on Friday. Journeys falling outside of the above-mentioned windows may be subject to cancellations.
Under Italian laws, public transport companies are required to provide a number of ‘essential services’ (servizi essenziali or minimi) during walkouts to allow commuters to travel to and from work.
For info on which essential services will be available in your area and when, check the relevant transport operator’s website, app or social media accounts.
Passengers planning to use public transport on Friday are advised to check the status of their service via the operator’s website or app before setting off.
Taxis
Taxi services in major Italian cities may be significantly limited on Friday.
There currently are no available details as to how many drivers will participate in the walkout, but anyone planning to use cab services on the day should be prepared to find alternative transport options.
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Healthcare
Scheduled appointments, diagnostic tests and non-emergency services at both public and private hospitals and clinics around the country may be subject to changes or cancellations on Friday as hundreds of doctors, nurses and other medical staff plan to take part in the protest.
Emergency services including emergency surgery, intensive care, ambulance services and ER operations are expected to go ahead as normal on the day of the strike.
Education
Normal teaching hours and lessons at public or private kindergartens, schools and universities around the country may be subject to changes on Friday.
Canteen services, after-school or extracurricular activities and school buses may also be affected by the protest.
For further information about how the strike may impact individual institutions, it’s advisable to get in touch with the administrative office of the relevant kindergarten, school or university.
Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.