ROME, Italy – Travellers across Italy face potential disruption on Friday, October 30, as trade unions press ahead with a nationwide general strike, despite a government order postponing industrial action across several transport sectors.
The 24-hour strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) is expected to affect public and private sector workers, with schools, public offices and some essential services potentially operating with reduced staffing. Transport services face a more complicated situation after the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport ordered the strike postponed for several sectors.
The industrial action was initially scheduled to begin at 9pm on Thursday, October 29, for rail services and continue until 8:59pm on Friday. Other transport sectors were due to be affected from midnight or later Thursday evening, depending on the service.
However, the ministry’s intervention has created uncertainty over which services will operate normally and whether workers will follow the postponement order.
Rail Services Face Uncertainty
The planned walkout initially covered Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord services, raising concerns about disruptions to high-speed, long-distance and regional trains.
But Trenord announced on October 28 that the railway strike had been postponed following an injunction by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. It said trains should operate according to the official timetable and that previously announced strike arrangements were no longer valid.
The situation remains uncertain, however. Reporting from Italy on Wednesday said USB had confirmed its intention to proceed with transport-sector industrial action despite the government order. Passengers should therefore verify individual departures with their rail operators before travelling.
Flights, Taxis and Local Transport
The original strike notice warned of possible disruption to air travel throughout Friday, with taxis also expected to be affected.
Local public transport, including buses, trams and metro services, could face disruption depending on the city and operator. Ports and other transport-related services were also included in the initial plans.
The ministry’s postponement order covers several transport sectors, including rail, aviation, taxis, local public transport and maritime transport. Travellers should not assume that every service will be cancelled—or that all services will operate normally—without checking the latest operator notices.
Separate strike notices may also apply to particular companies, regions or categories of workers, meaning the impact could vary significantly between cities.
Demonstration Planned Near Rome’s Termini Station
USB has announced a demonstration for 10:30am on Friday at Piazza dei Cinquecento, near Roma Termini railway station.
Further demonstrations, including student-led protests, are expected in other Italian cities. Travellers visiting central Rome should allow extra time for journeys near the station and check local updates for any road closures or crowd-control measures.
Authorities and travel advisories have urged people to avoid large gatherings if they are not participating and to follow instructions from police and emergency personnel.
What Travellers Should Do
People travelling within or to Italy on October 29 and 30 should take several precautions:
- Check train bookings: Consult Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord directly for updated departure information and any cancellations.
- Verify flights: Contact airlines and airports before leaving for the airport, particularly for flights scheduled on Friday.
- Allow extra time: Build flexibility into journeys involving rail connections, taxis and local public transport.
- Check city services: Confirm bus, tram and metro schedules with the relevant local operator.
- Avoid demonstrations: Stay clear of large gatherings if possible and follow directions from local authorities.
- Monitor updates: Check official operator notices and reliable local news before and during travel.
Emergency assistance in Italy is available by calling 112, the European emergency number.
