A busy month of industrial action is on the horizon, with two nationwide general strikes scheduled for October 2 and 30, a national school strike on October 16 and local transport stoppages.
General strike on October 2
The first nationwide general strike of the month on Friday, October 2 has been called by CSLE, with the participation of Fi-Si. The action covers a range of public and private sectors, including agriculture and livestock, maritime services, local authorities, law enforcement, schools, private security, healthcare and metalworking. Rail services will also be affected, although the strike is scheduled to impact trains only between 11am and 2pm. According to CSLE, the demands behind the strike include lower fuel and food prices, reduced taxation, higher wages to address the rising cost of living, greater energy independence and policies aimed at supporting the growth of Italian businesses, including those in agriculture.
Tram strike in Florence on October 10
For Florence, one of the key dates to mark is Saturday, October 10, when employees of Gest, the company operating the city’s tram network, will strike for 24 hours following a call by COBAS Lavoro Privato. The tram strike will run throughout the day, with guaranteed service windows from 6.30–9.30am and 5–8pm. Outside these periods, services may be suspended or significantly reduced.
October 14: Tuscany-wide strike
For Tuscany, another date to note is Wednesday, October 14, when CGIL has called a regional general strike lasting the entire day. The action will involve public and private sectors across the region, with schools and air transport excluded.
Schools face three dates
Schools are set for several days of disruption during October. The first national action involving education workers is scheduled for Friday, October 16, when SISA has called a 24-hour strike for teaching staff, school administrators and ATA personnel, both permanent and temporary. The union is calling for higher salaries, including a 20 per cent increase to compensate for inflation, as well as action on precarious employment. Schools will also be included in the October 30 general strike, called by USI-CIT for the entire day. The action is expected to involve all sectors, except transport, and has been called in opposition to war and military spending.
Air travel + local transport
Air transport will also face disruption on October 16, when USB Lavoro Privato has called a 24-hour strike involving EasyJet personnel, from midnight until 11.59pm. Local public transport is subject to a separate series of territorial strikes throughout the month, meaning that the impact will vary from city to city.
