Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – A general strike is scheduled for today, Friday, October 30. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has ordered transportation services to be called in, but USB has confirmed the protest: trains, planes, buses, and the subway could be disrupted despite the order. The union has announced that its participating workers are ready to strike, even at the risk of administrative sanctions and disciplinary action.
Schools and healthcare are also affected: here's what could happen and which services could be disrupted.
Despite the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's order, the USB—which called the protest with the support of Cobas Pt USB, Sindacato Sociale Di Base, Sudd Cobas, and Fi-si—has ensured work stoppages and planned initiatives in over 40 squares.
"Our worker delegates will certainly go on strike, assuming administrative sanctions and possible disciplinary action from the companies," the organization announced, adding that those who join will be able to count on the union's legal assistance. The fines indicated could range from 500 to 1,000 euros.
The reason for the disobedience? "The reference to the exemption is unjustified and fails to take into account the situation faced by workers and citizens in this country," USB reports. "This decision also stems from the statement published in March by the Council of Europe, through the European Committee of Social Rights, which states that the strike restrictions in Italy, to which Salvini refers, do not comply with the European Social Charter to which Italy has subscribed."
On the rail front, the FS group has announced that trains will run according to the normal service schedule, without the changes required in the event of a strike. However, it remains to be seen whether workers will actually participate in the protest, given the position taken by USB.
The rail strike called by the union began at 9:00 PM yesterday, Thursday, October 29, and will last until 8:59 PM today. If there are any sign-ups, service changes may occur before the strike begins and after its official end. Travelers are therefore advised to check for updates before departure, paying particular attention to long-distance connections and trains scheduled for the early morning and evening hours.
"Normal traffic will be maintained. Trains will be guaranteed, and Salvini's order will allow millions of workers and travelers to travel despite the strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB). The usual Friday strike will not bring Italy to a standstill," sources at the Ministry of Transport said.
Regarding local public transportation, the situation may vary from city to city. Public transport companies have announced that normal schedules will continue, while USB continues to confirm a general strike in all affected sectors.
In Rome, ATAC has confirmed regular service. The announcement also concerns the Cotral network and the connections managed by the private operators Autoservizi Troiani Sap, Autoservizi Tuscia Bis, and ATR.
At this time, therefore, the companies' guidance is to maintain regular service. However, given USB's confirmation of the strike, the actual operation of buses, trams, and subways will also depend on whether staff sign up and any updates that may be received in the coming hours.
Passengers are advised to check official announcements from local companies before traveling, especially during rush hour.
For air transport, the strike is scheduled for the entire day of October 30th, from midnight to 11:59 PM, and will coincide with the air transport strike in Florence and Pisa, which will see workers from Consulta, GH Toscana, and Toscana Aeroporti Spa strike from midnight to 11:59 PM. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline and consult the notices published by the airports. The actual nature of the disruption will depend on the participation of staff and the affected services. Maritime transport is also at risk due to the nationwide strike in the sector, which will involve port workers for the entire day. For local public transport, the duration and modalities of the strike will be determined at the local level.
Transportation aside, the general strike on October 30th will involve various public and private sectors, from schools to healthcare services. Schools: Teachers, ATA staff, and education workers may experience disruptions to the regular conduct of classes and administrative activities, depending on the participation of individual school staff. The strike also affects public and private healthcare. Essential services and emergency services required by law will still be guaranteed, while some scheduled activities may be delayed, postponed, or suspended.
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