Nationwide Strike Disrupts Trains and Public Transport Across Italy

A 24-hour general strike called by the USB trade union is disrupting transport and public services across Italy on Monday, affecting rail services, local transit systems, schools and health services.

Air transport was exempt from the action, but rail and public transport networks in several cities faced delays, cancellations and reduced services.

USB said the protest was linked to broader international and domestic issues, including opposition to war and military spending. The union said it had taken up an appeal launched by the Global Sumud Flotilla movement, arguing that current events required stronger public mobilization.

In a statement, the union said concerns included “the war, the genocide in Palestine, the arms race, the attack on international law and the shrinking of democratic spaces.”

Rail services were among the sectors expected to face significant disruption. A strike involving staff from the FS Group, Italy’s state railway network, began at 9 p.m. Sunday and was due to continue until 9 p.m. Monday.

Rail infrastructure operator RFI warned that service changes could occur before and after the official strike period. Rail operator Trenitalia urged passengers to check schedules before traveling and said updates would be available through its app, website and customer service channels.

Local public transport systems, including buses, trams and metro services, also faced disruptions, although legally mandated guaranteed service windows remained in place. These generally included operating periods between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

In Rome, transit operator Atac said services would only be guaranteed during legally required time slots. Metro C was closed, while Metro A and Metro B continued operating with possible reductions in service. The company also warned that bus and surface transport services could face route reductions or complete suspensions.

The strike affected the entire Atac network in the capital, as well as transport services operated by several contracted companies and the city’s on-demand ClicBus service.

Milan also warned of possible disruptions and cancellations across its public transport network. Local operator ATM said guaranteed service periods were expected to run from the beginning of operations until 8:45 a.m. and from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The strike also drew support from university workers. USB Università said it opposed increased military spending while public universities continued to face funding pressures.

The union said rising living costs, inflation and job insecurity were increasingly affecting researchers, students and university staff, while public research risked becoming more closely tied to military and industrial interests.