Train in Italy/ Italy. Photo: Dario Argenti / Shutterstock Travelers heading to Italy in the coming days should prepare for a series of transport strikes scheduled between November 13 and 22, with disruptions expected across local public transport, rail services and airport operations.
The most significant date is Friday, November 20, when a nationwide general strike called by CGIL is scheduled to affect public and private sector workers, including employees in several transport-related industries. Separate railway strikes are also planned, potentially disrupting train services across the country.
The first disruptions are scheduled for Friday, November 13, when public transport employees at ATVO in the Venice area and workers at Milan's ATM transport group are due to strike for 24 hours. The action could affect local bus and urban transport services, although the specific operating arrangements may vary.
On Saturday, November 14, employees of AMTAB, which operates public transport in Bari, are scheduled to stage a 24-hour strike.
Naples will face another disruption on Monday, November 16, when employees of local transport operator ANM are scheduled to stop work for four hours, between 11:00 and 15:00. Several unions have announced participation in the same strike, rather than separate stoppages.
Friday, November 20, is expected to be the most complicated day for travelers.
CGIL has called a nationwide general strike covering public and private sector employees, including workers in outsourced services. The transport categories listed include railway contractors, local public transport, taxis, chauffeur-driven vehicles, maritime transport, ports, road traffic and safety, freight and logistics.
Additional unions have announced separate nationwide industrial actions. These include a general strike called by CLAP, Confederazione Cobas and SIAL-Cobas, with exclusions covering railway transport, rail freight and certain local public transport companies.
Rail passengers will face a further challenge as railway workers are scheduled to strike from 21:00 on November 20 until 20:00 on Saturday, November 21. The action involves employees of railway companies, including train drivers and onboard personnel from the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group.
The railway disruption is also supported by several separate union announcements, including actions involving CUB Trasporti, SGB Ferrovie and CAT.
On November 21, additional strikes are planned among railway maintenance workers at RFI's Verona operational unit, between 09:01 and 17:00, as well as employees of several freight railway companies, between 09:00 and 17:00.
Air travel could also be affected on Sunday, November 22.
Employees of ENAV at Milan Malpensa Airport are scheduled to strike for 24 hours, from 00:01 until midnight. ENAV is responsible for air traffic control services, meaning the action could affect airport operations and flight schedules.
A separate 24-hour strike has also been announced involving employees of airport security company Sicuritalia IVRI at Venice Marco Polo Airport, potentially affecting passenger security procedures.
Passengers flying to or from Italy during this period are advised to check directly with their airlines and transport operators before departure. They should also allow additional time for airport transfers and connections, particularly on November 20, 21 and 22.
As with other Italian transport strikes, guaranteed service periods and minimum service requirements may apply, depending on the operator and type of transport.