Disruption was expected to some of Italy's public services throughout the day on Friday, with a 24-hour general strike planned to hit transport and other sectors.
KEY DATES: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in June 2025
As usual with strikes in Italy, it was unclear ahead of time how big the protests would be or how many services would be affected, though the impact was expected to vary from city to city.
Trains
The walkout was to involve staff at both public and private railway companies, including Trenitalia and Trenord, between 9pm on Thursday, June 19th and 9pm on Friday 20th.
Passengers may face cancellations or delays to both long-distance services and Intercity and regional trains, though no specific details of any cancellations had been published as of Thursday afternoon.
Trenitalia had guaranteed that it will operate a minimum number of services, deemed essential on weekdays between 6am and 9am and again from 6pm to 9pm.
Local public transport
Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, and other cities across Italy expected to see disruption to local public transport services during the day on Friday.
The walkout was set to affect local bus, rail and tram services, with strike times varying from city to city.
In Milan, local public transport operator ATM said services were guaranteed to run in the morning until 8.45am and then from 3pm to 6pm.
Rome's transport company ATAC said services would run until 8.30am and from 5pm to 8pm.
Flights
Italy's flag carrier ITA Airways said it had cancelled 34 domestic and international flights on Friday, including connections between London, Rome and Milan, due to expected disruption on the ground.
The general strike was set to involve a 24-hour walkout by airport workers, including baggage handlers and other ground staff employed by both airports and some external companies.
Passengers flying to or from Italy's airports on Friday were advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before setting off
Which flights are guaranteed?
Flights scheduled to depart between 7am and 10am, and between 6pm and 9pm, will be protected from strike action under Italian law.
You can find specific details of flights on Friday that will be covered by these rules published here by Italian air transport authority ENAC.
What to do if your flight is cancelled
If you're flying within the EU or from an EU country to a non-EU one, you may have the right to either a refund or rebooking under Europe's Air Passenger Rights.
This also applies to passengers travelling from non-EU countries to EU countries if the operating airline is licensed in the EU.
Find full details HERE.
Why is the strike happening?
Friday's general strike was called by several of Italy's larger trade unions including USB, CUB, and FLAI.
They called for cuts to defence spending and more investment instead in health, education, and transport, and more measures to ensure workplace safety, as well as demanding wage increases and contract renewals for public sector staff.
Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.
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