Transport strikes are something of a regular occurrence in Italy, with at least two to 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 (in Italian only).
This usually gives commuters and international visitors some time to arrange alternative methods 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 in the next couple of weeks.
July 20th-21st – Regional rail strike in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta
Train passengers in the northwestern Italian regions of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta could experience disruption in late July as staff at rail operator Trenitalia plan to strike from 3am on Sunday, July 20th, to 2am on Monday, July 21st.
The walkout is expected to affect regional and commuter routes, but shouldn’t impact interregional and long-distance journeys.
Rail operators in Italy aren’t required to provide a minimum level of service during strikes staged over the weekend.
Trenitalia hasn’t yet clarified whether or not it intends to guarantee essential rail services on July 20th.
July 26th – Air transport strikes
People flying to, from or across Italy could experience delays or cancellations on Saturday, July 26th, due to multiple air transport strikes.
Italy-based pilots and crew at Spanish budget airline Volotea plan to strike from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday as part of an ongoing dispute over wages.
Baggage handlers at airports around the country are set to stage a four-hour walkout over the same window (from 1pm to 5pm).
Finally, staff at Swissport Italia, which manages airport operations and ground handling services at Milan’s Linate airport, are also expected to strike from 1pm to 5pm.
READ ALSO: How will Italy’s air transport strikes affect flights on Saturday?
The planned strikes could cause flight delays or cancellations on Saturday, as well as delays in ground operations including baggage drop-off or collection services.
Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.
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