by Nina Vaclavikova
Italy is experiencing widespread disruption today as a 24-hour general strike affects transportation, schools, healthcare, and public services nationwide. Rail workers walked off the job on Thursday night, bringing many Trenitalia, Italo and regional train services to a halt, while guaranteed routes operate only during limited time windows. ITA Airways has canceled dozens of domestic flights, and major airports—including Rome Fiumicino—warn of delays and reduced ground services.
Local transport is also affected, with Rome’s buses and metro running only during protected hours. Healthcare staff, school workers, taxi drivers, ferry crews and motorway employees have joined the strike, which was called by the USB and CUB unions in protest against the government’s 2026 budget plan. Unions are demanding higher wages, lower retirement age, and greater investment in public sectors such as housing and healthcare.
Trieste, like many cities, has felt the effects of the walkout as reduced transport and public-service staffing ripple through the region.
