Italy is experiencing a nationwide transport strike today, 12 December 2025, called by the CGIL trade union in protest against the government’s 2026 budget law, which unions say is unfair to workers and public services. The strike is affecting railways, local public transport, and a broad range of public and private sectors — from schools to healthcare.
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Why the Strike Is Happening
The strike is part of a broader national protest by workers and unions against the government’s budget plan for 2026, which is criticized for insufficient protections on wages, pensions, and public investment. Union leaders, including Maurizio Landini, are participating in large demonstrations across the country.
It’s important to note that air transport workers are not striking today — the aviation sector has already scheduled its industrial action for 17 December 2025, but today’s disruptions do not directly involve flights or airport staff.
Government Response: “Limited Disruption”
Italy’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, has stated on social media that he expects “very limited disruption” to the transport system today and stressed that many workers are continuing to operate normally. Nonetheless, observers and reports from the ground describe significant impacts on trains and local transport.
Current Disruptions Across the Transport Network
Train Services — Delays & Cancellations
- Today’s strike affects railway staff from 00:01 until 21:00, meaning many services — including regional and long-distance trains — face cancellations and significant delays.
- Only a limited number of “guaranteed” trains — such as long-distance and selected regional services during peak windows — are operating; other scheduled services may not run.
- Major stations in cities such as Milan, Bologna and Genoa are reporting disruption, with passengers facing reduced timetables and waiting for information at station boards and carrier apps.
Local Public Transport — Limited Services
- Local urban transit services (bus, tram, metro) are heavily affected across many cities, with partial or full stoppages outside local guaranteed windows.
- In Rome, services run by ATAC — the city’s municipal transport operator — are operating regularly today because ATAC staff were not included in today’s strike (having already participated in a separate action earlier in the week).
- In other cities such as Milan, Turin, Naples and Bologna, buses and metro lines may be suspended or reduced at various times throughout the day.
Street Protests & Demonstrations
Large demonstrations are taking place across Italy in connection with the strike:
- Milan: a large march through the city centre involving workers, unions, and civic groups, contributing to street congestion and travel delays.
- Modena: protest marches have occupied significant stretches of via Emilia, causing blockages and traffic disruption.
- Reggio Emilia: demonstrators have occupied sections of the tangenziale (ring road), slowing road traffic and complicating movement around the city.
- Aosta, Turin, Rome and Naples: street protests and sit-ins have also been reported in these cities, with local marches affecting central districts and transport hubs.
- Firenze: union organizers report large participation and high turnout — tens of thousands in the streets — reaffirming the national dimension of today’s mobilization.
What It Means for Expats in Italy Today
- Train travel: Expect significant uncertainty — even if a train is listed as running, cancellation or delay remains possible. Always check official carrier apps or station information before departing.
- Local transport: Aside from Rome’s ATAC services, expect limited operations or suspensions for most buses, metros, and trams in other cities.
- Road travel: Major protest marches — particularly in cities like Modena and Reggio Emilia — may block roads and cause traffic congestion.
- Safety & Public Order: Protests are largely peaceful, but large crowds and marches may be present near main squares and transit hubs. As a precaution, avoid demonstration routes if possible, and be mindful of possible police presence.
Today’s national transport strike continues to disrupt train and local public transport services across Italy, while large protests and marches in several cities are adding to travel challenges. Although the government has described the disruption as “limited,” the reality on the ground remains one of delays, interruptions and altered service schedules for many commuters and expats.
