Transport strikes are a regular occurrence in Italy, with at least two or three nationwide walkouts and several regional protests called each month.
Conveniently though, most strikes are planned and announced well in advance, with the Italian Transport Ministry listing them on a handy online calendar (available in Italian).
This usually gives commuters and international visitors some time to arrange alternative means of transportation or, when possible, reschedule their journeys.
Here's a look at the major walkouts that you should know about if you’re travelling to, from or across Italy over the next couple of weeks.
June 19th-20th – General transport strike
Air, rail and local public transport services around Italy are set to be hit by a 24-hour general strike on Thursday, June 19th and Friday, June 20th.
The walkout, which is backed by three of Italy’s major trade unions (CUB, SGB and USB), is expected to affect private and public rail operators between 9pm on Thursday and 9pm on Friday, according to Italy’s transport ministry.
Flights to, from and across Italy may experience delays or cancellations between midnight and 11.59pm on Friday, the ministry said.
Flights scheduled to depart between 7am and 10am, and between 6pm and 9pm, are protected from strike action under Italian law.
READ ALSO: How will Italy’s transport strike hit flights and trains on Friday?
Bus, tram, metro and cableway lines around Italy are also expected to be affected by the nationwide protest, with strike times varying from city to city.
In Milan, services will be guaranteed to run in the morning until 8.45am and then from 3pm to 6pm, according to local public transport operator ATM.
Rome's transport company ATAC said services will run until 8.30am and from 5pm to 8pm.
June 20th-21st – Regional rail strike in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta - CANCELLED
A train strike by Trenitalia staff in the northwestern Italian regions of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta planned for June 20th-21st has been called off, according to Italy's Strike Regulation Authority (CGS).
The walkout had originally been planned for June 15th-16th and later postponed to June 20th-21st by the Orsa Trasporti union.
How bad are strikes in Italy?
Transport strikes are frequent in Italy, but not all cause major disruption for passengers.
The severity of disruption caused by any walkout in the country largely depends on how many workers choose to participate in it.
Nationwide protests backed by one or more major trade unions tend to have a bigger impact, as they represent more workers than smaller regional unions.
Even in the case of highly disruptive strikes though, transport operators are legally required to guarantee some essential services at peak travel times.
What to do if your flight is cancelled
If you're flying to, from or within the EU, you have the right to either a refund or rebooking, and the airline must always offer you the choice.
If you're booked onto a later flight and have to wait more than two hours, you're entitled to assistance such as food and drink.
READ ALSO: What are my rights in Italy if a flight is cancelled or delayed?
And in the case of cancellations at short notice, you may also be able to claim compensation.
Find full details here.
What to do if your train is cancelled
If a pre-booked rail service is cancelled due to strike action in Italy, passengers are given the option to travel on an equivalent service or ask for a full refund.
READ ALSO: Can I get a refund in Italy if my train is cancelled because of strikes?
Private long-distance operator Italo and state-owned Trenitalia issue refunds automatically within 30 days of the cancelled trip.
Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.
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