Erika Malandra Il May 17, 2025 It will be a difficult day for those who travel by train. A new strike national of trains, called by several trade unions, will put the Italian railway network to the test. Inconvenience for passengers, and not only: freight transport is involved, with cancellations, delays and changes to routes that could upset travel plans.
The strike, proclaimed by the unions Sgb Plurisettoriale and Usb Lavoro Privato, will last 23 hours, from 1:00 to 23:59 on Friday 16 May. But obviously it doesn't end there.
Train strike on May 17, 2025: the causes behind the protest
Lo strike of the trains of the May 17, 2025 at this point it enters the long tug of war for the renewal of the National Contract for Buses, Railways and Tramways, which has now expired for more than seven years. The unions' demands seem very clear: increased wages, reduction of working hours to 35 hours a week, meal vouchers, greater safety on trains and a strong opposition to the privatization of the public service. The mobilization involves, in addition to passenger transport, also railway personnel, with another strike specifically scheduled for 8 hours from 9:00 to 17:00, called by the National Assembly Pdm/Pdb of the Ferrovie dello Stato Group. The tension has risen… and with it the concerns for the continuity of the service.
Regional disruptions due to the May 17 train strike: solutions for travellers?
But the protests do not stop at a national level. In Piedmont and in Val d'Aosta, the ORSA Ferrovie union has proclaimed a further strike of 23 hours, from 3:00 on Saturday 17 May to 2:00 on Sunday 18 May. In these regions, the strike will mainly involve mobile staff and those dedicated to sales and assistance. And if that were not enough, in Genoa a 24-hour strike in local public transport is planned, also on 17 May, for AMT workers. Disruptions also in Sardinia, where the staff of the Cagliari circulation room will cross their arms for 24 hours. In short, chaos is just around the corner.
For those who have to travel by train, the advice is not to be caught unprepared. Check the status of the train in advance, verify if it is among those guaranteed and arrive at the station well in advance. Last minute changes are inevitable. If your train is cancelled, consider alternatives or postpone your trip. And Don't forget to ask for a refund or change reservation, if the company provides for it. Another black Saturday, waiting for the situation to be resolved.