A rail strike began in Italy on Thursday. 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 Thursday at 3 pm.
“Significant impact” on rail traffic
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”. Already at Italo, the unions claim the extension of the expired contract.
The state railroads informed in a press release that the strike “significant impact” on rail traffic will have. On the Trieste-Venice rail link, there was a failure between Cervignano and San Stino di Livenza due to storm damage on Thursday night. Technicians are on call to repair the damage and restore the rail connection.
Also strikes in air traffic
On Saturday (July 15) there will be cancellations in air traffic. Ground staff at Italian airports, handling and check-in services are on strike from 10 am to 6 pm. The unions complain that his contract expired six years ago and therefore call for his immediate renewal.
Malta Air pilots will strike from 12:00 to 16:00. Also on Saturday, Vueling pilots and flight attendants will go on strike from 10 am to 6 pm. Italian unions called the strike “because the company is unwilling to develop healthy and constructive labor relations with unions”.