by InTrieste
Train passengers in Italy should brace for widespread rail disruptions on Wednesday, March 19, as railway workers stage an eight-hour strike from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., union officials said.
The strike, called by the UGL Ferrovieri, FAST-Confsal, and ORSA Trasporti trade unions, is part of an ongoing push for the renewal of collective labor agreements in the rail sector. It is expected to impact both regional and long-distance services operated by the national rail provider Trenitalia, as well as the private rail company Italo.
Despite the anticipated disruptions, minimum train services will be guaranteed, officials said.
Rail service disruptions will also affect Trenord, the regional operator in the northern Lombardia region, particularly around Milan. Travelers heading to and from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport should also expect delays, as some rail connections could be affected.
The strike will not, however, impact local public transport systems, which will operate as usual.
The planned work stoppage follows the last-minute cancellation of a separate 24-hour rail strike called by the USB trade union. That strike had been scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and run through the following evening.
Wednesday’s industrial action comes ahead of additional transport strikes scheduled in cities across Italy, including walkouts affecting local public transportation services on Friday, March 21, and Tuesday, April 1.
For travelers seeking the latest updates on transit disruptions, official strike information is available on the website of Italy’s Ministry of Transport.
