Major strike to affect transport and public services in Italy on December 12

Travellers and residents in Italy should prepare for widespread disruptions on Friday, December 12, 2025, as Italy’s largest trade union, Cgil, holds a nationwide general strike. The action will affect both public and private sectors, including many subcontracted services.

The strike is part of a protest against what the union describes as an “unfair budget law,” with demands for higher wages and pensions, stronger public health and education funding, and better protection for workers’ rights.

Public transport: limited service hours

Public transport is expected to be among the sectors most affected. Autolinee Toscane, which operates city and regional buses, has announced that services will only be guaranteed during the legally protected time slots: 4:15–8:14 a.m. and 12:30–2:29 p.m. Outside these hours, buses may be reduced or cancelled depending on staff participation.

The Florence tram system will also be affected for the entire day, with services guaranteed only between 6:30–9:30 a.m.and 5–8 p.m.

Train services

National and regional train services will be suspended from 12:01 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 12. Only a limited number of essential connections may operate, so passengers are advised to check updated timetables before travelling.

Fire and other sectors

Firefighters will join the strike for four hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., though emergency interventions will remain guaranteed.

In the health sector, Tuscany’s local health authorities (Asl) warn of possible delays or cancellations for non-urgent appointments, laboratory tests and outpatient services. Emergency care, hospital wards, meal preparation and essential technical services will continue to operate as normal.

The strike will also involve parts of the public administration, though waste collection, justice ministry staff, Rome’s Atac transport company and air traffic control (Enav) will not take part.

Demonstration in Florence

The regional protest will take place in Florence, where Cgil leader Maurizio Landini is expected to lead a march from Piazza Santa Maria Novella at 9 a.m. to Piazza del Carmine, where the final rally will be held. Workers from various sectors will speak before Landini’s closing remarks.

Visitors and residents in Florence should therefore expect interruptions in local mobility and some public services throughout the day.

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