The general strike in Italy, which will begin on November 28, expects wide-ranging participation in both the public and private sectors. A prolonged 24-hour period is planned and may cause disruption to train networks, public transport, ferries, airports and other connected transport networks. The country’s largest union, CGIL, has also called for a 21-hour general strike on December 12, which could erode rail services and contribute to ferry and aviation strikes planned for next month.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the strike is expected to start at midnight on December 12 and continue until 21:00 on the same day. Why is the strike taking place?Unions have taken action to protest budget policies. Grassroots organizations such as Cobas, Usb, Sgb and Cub called for mass mobilization on November 28, calling for greater investment in basic services such as health and education and a reduction in military spending. The movement, led by CGIL, argues that the fiscal plan restricts funding for public services and leaves some long-expired national labor contracts unresolved. strikes, increasing pressure on schools, hospitals and other public services due to staff shortages, rising costs of living and delayed negotiations.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni continued her criticism on social media about the strike announced in November, implying that the unions wanted a long weekend. How does this process affect travelers?On 28 November, long-distance and regional trains, local public transport, ferries and possibly air links may operate at reduced timetables or, in some cases, be canceled altogether. The December 12 strike is expected to have the most significant impact on rail transport. Long-distance and high-speed lines across Italy may face cancellations or changes to their schedules, causing disruptions on main routes such as Rome–Milan–Florence–Turin.
It is also important for passengers arriving at airports by train to be prepared for changes. Travel time may be extended when flights are canceled or rescheduled. Considering the intensity of the December holiday season, even minor cancellations can cause contraction and bottlenecks on national routes. However, airline services are not directly included in the strike at this stage and airports are expected to operate normally. However, passengers arriving by air should take into account any changes to rail connections.
Ferry connections may also be affected in the coming days. The two-day strike, declared by ferry operators such as Tirrenia CIN and Moby, between 9 December 15.00 and 11 December 15.00, may lead to disruptions in transportation between the mainland and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. On December 17, ground handling personnel, airline crews and air traffic controllers responsible for the airspace around Rome will stop working between 13.00 and 17.00, which may cause delays at airports across the country. According to ENAC, flights are guaranteed between 07:00-10:00 in the morning and 18:00-19:00 in the evening during the strike.
Passengers on pre-booked long-distance tickets affected by the cancellations are expected to be offered a full refund or upgrade to an equivalent service.Operators continue to publish updated tariffs and lists of guaranteed services in the days before the strike. For more information, it would be useful to follow ENAC’s official website and the Ministry of Transport’s strike lists.
