Chaos in Italy: General strike hits holidaymakers and traffic hard!

Chaos in Italy: General strike hits holidaymakers and traffic hard!

On June 28, 2025, the Italian population was significantly disrupted by a 24-hour general strike. The strike, which began on Thursday evening, June 19, at 9 p.m. and continued until Friday evening, June 20, at 9 p.m., was organized by unions in the transport sector. The impact was far-reaching and holidaymakers were also affected. Many people, including travelers from abroad, faced significant mobility problems. Mercury reports that union demands included, among other things, better working conditions, higher wages, investment in public services and a renewal of collective agreements.

The strike was particularly noticeable in the transport sector. There were massive cancellations and delays in train traffic. Both regional, long-distance and high-speed trains were affected, with only a few trains operating between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Airlines, including Ita Airways, canceled a total of 32 flights on June 20. Air traffic was only regularly active during the protected hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which led to confusion and uncertainty among travelers. One example is a Carinthian woman who was in Venice and was surprised by the cancellations. A tour group from Styria expressed concerns about how to get home as water taxis were also included in the strike. Small newspaper highlights that travelers have been advised to check their flight status early and to find out about current connections from transport companies.

Affected sectors

The strike had far-reaching effects on various areas of public life. In addition to transportation, schools and healthcare were also affected. In cities like Rome and Turin, around 25 percent of employees took part in the work stoppages. In public transport in Rome, many metro lines were partially operational, but some services were completely suspended, while Re di Roma station remained closed.

In road traffic, the highway workers, who began their strike at 10 p.m. on June 19, caused additional problems. This led to possible traffic jams and closed toll booths. The ferry traffic was also worried due to unclear strike times. Many connections to Sardinia, Sicily and abroad, such as Greece, Spain and Croatia, were at risk.

Public reactions and demonstrations

The strike was accompanied by protests, for example around 7,000 metal workers blocking a bypass in Bologna. Public opinion is divided. While many support the demands for better working conditions, others see the massive restrictions on mobility and the impact on tourism as problematic.

Finally, it should be noted that the situation poses major challenges for many holidaymakers and locals. Travelers should remain vigilant during this time, adjust their travel plans if necessary and stay abreast of the latest developments.