Italy braces for a challenging Black Friday as the day coincides with a nationwide strike organized by the labor unions CGIL and UIL. The strike, aimed at protesting the government’s budget law and demanding better funding for public services, will affect various sectors, including transport, healthcare, and education.
Initially planned as a 24-hour protest, the strike was reduced to four hours for public transport following an order from Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. However, disruptions are still expected in key areas.
Public Transport
• Local transit (buses, metro, and trams): Despite the reduction, unions have confirmed an eight-hour strike for local public transport, pending legal challenges. Exact service interruptions will vary by city, with guaranteed service during specific time slots. If the government’s mandate is upheld, the strike will be officially shortened to four hours.
• Air travel: A full-day strike from midnight to 11:59 PM will involve SEA airport staff at Milan Linate and Malpensa, Wizz Air Malta employees, and ground handlers like Aviapartner. Staff at Venice’s Aviation Services will halt work from 2 PM to 6 PM.
• Highways: Disruptions are anticipated on toll roads, with varying strike durations by union. For instance, Cub and Sgb unions will strike from 9 PM on November 28 to the same time on November 29, while other unions have slightly different schedules.
• Maritime transport: Ferry services to major islands will halt for 24 hours, starting one hour before departures on November 29. For smaller islands, the strike will last from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM.
• Taxis: A 24-hour strike is also expected across the country.
Healthcare
The strike will impact a broad spectrum of medical professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, psychologists, and hospital staff. The unions argue that the government’s proposed budget law represents “the worst in 30 years,” citing cuts to public services and increased privatization.
Education
Schools and universities will also face disruptions as staff across all levels, from teachers to administrative personnel, join the protest. Giuseppe D’Aprile, head of UIL Scuola RUA, confirmed the strike would include employees from public and private institutions, research centers, and vocational training schools.
Reasons for the Strike
The unions are demanding changes to the government’s budget law, which they describe as inadequate for addressing Italy’s pressing issues. Their demands include:
• Increases in wages and pensions.
• Greater investment in healthcare, education, and public services.
• Policies supporting industrial growth.
A Black Friday Like No Other
While Black Friday typically sees bustling cities and crowded shopping centers, this year, the strike could overshadow one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Public demonstrations are expected across Italy, highlighting workers’ dissatisfaction alongside the annual consumer frenzy.
Travelers and citizens are advised to plan ahead and anticipate delays as Italy experiences a uniquely disruptive “Black Friday.”
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