Italy's Planned Public Transport Strike Reduced to Four Hours

A planned 24-hour public transport strike in Italy on Friday, December 13, 2024, has been reduced to four hours following an injunction issued by Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. The strike, initially organized by the USB transport union, will now take place from 09:00 to 13:00, impacting rail, metro, bus, and ferry services, but not the airline sector.

Public Transport Disruptions Expected

Despite the reduced duration, commuters can still expect significant disruptions across Italy. Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway operator, has warned passengers of possible cancellations and delays to long-distance, regional, and local services during the four-hour strike period. Rail connections to and from Fiumicino Airport may also face delays, as noted by the Aeroporti di Roma authority.

In addition to the rail services, local public transport in major cities like Rome and Milan will be affected. ATAC, Rome’s public transport provider, and ATM in Milan both confirmed disruptions from 09:00 to 13:00, impacting buses, trams, and subway services.

Broader Impact on Public and Private Sectors

The general strike will affect various other sectors beyond transportation, including healthcare, education, and taxis. Non-emergency healthcare services, such as diagnostic tests, may be canceled, and schools could face disruptions to cleaning, catering, and bus services.

Salvini's Push for New Rules on Strikes

Transport Minister Salvini has criticized the frequency of strikes in Italy and announced plans to introduce new regulations at the next cabinet meeting. While acknowledging that the right to strike is constitutionally protected, he argued that the increasing number of strikes is diminishing their effectiveness as a protest tool.

Salvini’s use of injunctions to curb strikes has been controversial, with unions like USB Trasporti defending their actions as legitimate and in line with European labor laws.