Lucrezia Ciotti A national general strike called by the USB against the high cost of living, declining purchasing power, and rearmament policies is scheduled for today, Friday, October 30th . Salvini's order has excluded the transport sector from the strike, but the union is confirming the strike and announcing marches in over 50 cities. Here are the categories of workers who are being held, the services guaranteed, and the potential impact on traffic.
General strike on October 30: transport will continue, but disruptions may occur.
Friday, October 30th is the day of the national general strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base, joined by other independent unions. The strike involves public and private sector workers and stems from protests over the high cost of living , rising prices, and the progressive loss of purchasing power of salaries and pensions.
The protests also include demands for greater worker protection, opposition to rearmament policies, and opposition to what the union calls a "war economy."
The strike affects various sectors, including schools, healthcare, public administration, agriculture, and port activities , in compliance with the minimum performance required by law for essential public services.
A significant part of the mobilization is also dedicated to challenging international arms trafficking : according to the USB, the initiative involves over 100 ports spread across 17 countries.
The protest, however, is taking place in a unique context for the transport sector, following the intervention of Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, who ordered the strike to be postponed for the affected categories, citing the grace period established around the commemoration of the dead on November 2nd. The union contests the measure, deeming it illegitimate and arguing that " the general strike is perfectly valid for all sectors, including transport ."
The organization also announced that its delegates will be able to participate regardless, assuming the risk of administrative fines ranging from €500 to €1,000, and possible disciplinary action. USB has promised legal assistance to participating workers. Salvini, for his part, defended the decision, declaring: " I have done my duty as Minister of Transport, which must guarantee mobility for all Italians ." The Deputy Prime Minister then assured that " Italian trains will run normally tomorrow ," while acknowledging the possibility of some disruption at the local level.
Strike on October 30th, marches in over 50 cities: categories involved and services guaranteed
The Italian State Railways Group has confirmed that services will be operated according to their regular schedule, without the changes normally expected during a strike . Trenord has also announced regular service for its trains. In Rome, ATAC has ruled out disruptions to its network, while Cotral has announced the postponement of the strike, as have the private operators involved in local services. In Milan, ATM has confirmed that subways, buses, and trams will operate regularly.
Despite assurances from companies, disruptions related to potential individual participation and demonstrations organized locally cannot be ruled out . The day will be accompanied by marches and demonstrations in over 50 cities . In the capital , the union march will depart from Piazzale Aldo Moro, in front of Sapienza University, gathering at 10:30 a.m. and arriving in the Imperial Forum area. Approximately 20,000 participants are expected. Students, movements, associations, and pro-PAL groups may join the demonstration, with several preliminary gatherings starting at 8:30-9 a.m. between Piazzale Ostiense, Piazza dell'Immacolata, and some schools. Law enforcement will be particularly vigilant in the areas of the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and Termini Station. Two marches are planned in Milan : the union march will depart at 10 a.m. from Piazza Duca d'Aosta, in front of Central Station, and continue towards Corso Buenos Aires, Piazzale Loreto, and the Gorla neighborhood; The student demonstration will begin at 9:30 a.m. from Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, before joining up with other protesters. Estimates suggest a total of around 10,000 people are expected.
Other initiatives are scheduled in Turin , at 9.30 am in Piazza Palazzo di Città; Bologna , at 9.30 am in Piazza Maggiore; Novara , at 9.30 am in Piazza Cavour; Brescia , at 9 am at the San Faustino metro station; Trieste , at 9 am at Varco 4 of the Punto Franco Nuovo; Padua , at 8 am in front of the station; and Bergamo , at 17 pm in Piazza Gaza, in the Porta Nuova area.
The Ministry of the Interior has implemented specific measures to prevent tensions and potential episodes of violence, with the aim of " isolating the violent " and preventing further disturbances following those recorded in recent weeks in Milan and Rome. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated: " I trust in the ability of prefects, police commissioners, and senior representatives of local police forces to manage even the unpredictable nature of these phenomena ." Particular attention will be paid to the safety of demonstrations and traffic management, which may be subject to temporary changes.