Gaza Flotilla, Nationwide Transport Strike and Rallies on October 3

A nationwide general strike called by Italy’s main trade unions, including CGIL, USB and Cub, will take place on Friday, October 3, with major disruptions expected across all transport sectors and rallies planned in Florence and other Tuscan cities.

Transport disruptions

The strike will affect local public transport (buses, trams, metro), railways, air travel, ports, taxis, and other services.

• Local public transport: 24-hour stoppage, with guaranteed minimum services during the usual rush-hour time slots, defined locally.
• Railways: circulation staff will stop from 9:01 p.m. on October 2 until 8:59 p.m. on October 3. Long-distance trains and some regional services during peak hours (6–9 a.m. and 6–9 p.m.) will be guaranteed.
• Air travel: strike from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., with flights guaranteed between 7–10 a.m. and 6–9 p.m. Ground staff and air traffic controllers will also participate, except those required for minimum essential services.
• Ports and maritime transport: workers will stop for the entire day, with essential services maintained. Passenger ships may face delays of up to 24 hours, except on essential routes.
• Taxis: strike for the full 24 hours.
• Other categories: workers in highways, ANAS, logistics and freight transport, cleaning and catering services in stations, car rentals, cableways, and even funeral transport will also participate, though essential services will be guaranteed.

Protests in Tuscany

In Florence, a large joint demonstration is expected. CGIL participants will gather at 9:15 a.m. at viale Strozzi, near Piazzale Montelungo, before marching from the Fortezza da Basso. Regional and city union leaders will join the procession. USB and other groups will instead meet at 9:30 a.m. in piazza Bambini di Beslan, alongside associations and grassroots movements.

Demonstrations are also planned in other Tuscan cities as part of the strike, which unions have called not only for labor rights but also in response to the recent seizure of activists on board the Flotilla bound for Gaza. Union leaders say the mobilization reflects a broader protest against government policies and international events.

Significant delays and cancellations are therefore expected throughout the day, and residents and visitors are advised to check updated transport schedules and allow extra time for travel.

(Cover picture from CGIL’s web magazine Collettiva)

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