A rail strike started in Italy today. Hundreds of rail connections were cancelled. The protest affects not only the FS state railways, but also employees of the private railway company Italo, unions said. The strike, which originally lasted 24 hours, was shortened due to an intervention by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini and lasts only until 3 pm today.
The railway workers once again appealed for “an adequate recruitment plan and reduction in the workload of staff, as well as technological investments, professional development and training”. At Italo, the unions claim the extension of the contract that expired in December 2021.
State railroads said in a press release that the strike will have a “considerable impact” on rail traffic. On the Trieste – Venice rail link there was a failure between Cervignano and San Stino di Livenza due to storm damage overnight. Technicians are on call to repair the damage and restore the rail connection.
Saturday flight cancellations
There will be flight disruptions on Saturday. Ground staff at Italian airports, handling and check-in services are on strike during the day. The unions complain that his contract expired six years ago and therefore call for his immediate renewal.
Malta Air pilots also want to strike. Also on Saturday, Vueling pilots and flight attendants will go on strike. Italian unions called the strike “because the company is unwilling to develop healthy and constructive labor relations with unions”.