On November 28, 2025, Italy braces for one of the fiercest transport and logistics strikes of the year. Syndicates like USB, CUB, Cobas, SGB, and others call for a full 24-hour walkout. The protest hits everything — from trains and buses to airports, ports, and freight hubs.
They picked this date deliberately. It coincides with debate in Parliament over the 2026 Budget Law. The unions want more than lip service. They demand fair pay, a minimum salary, shorter hours, and serious investment in public services.
Contents
Why Are They Striking?
Demands on Money and Dignity
Workers in logistics want a net minimum wage of €2,000. They also ask for productivity bonuses tied to attendance, not just results. The idea: reward presence, not punishing effort.
Safety for Drivers
Delivery drivers face brutal schedules. Many work up to 47 hours per week if they hold a certain license class. USB calls that unsafe. They also raise concerns about job insecurity, poor housing, and the precarious status of migrant workers.
Bigger Picture: Budget and Public Services
This isn’t just about pay. The unions blasting the 2026 Budget Law argue it favors military spending over essential services. They want more funds directed to transport, health care, education — not arms.
Logistics Under Siege
In warehouses and freight centers, workers want safety, respect, and fair disciplinary practices. They demand better working conditions, not just more labor.
Strikes in Italy: A Snapshot (2023‑2025)
Strikes in transport aren’t rare in Italy. In 2023, the Commission for the Guarantee of Strikes recorded 1,649 strike proclamations, of which 639 were in passenger transport (air, rail, public local). Out of those, 449 actually happened — nearly 40% of all strikes that year.
In 2024, things stayed tense. The same Commission noted 1,080 actual strikes, down slightly from 2023. Transport remained a hotspot.
What This Means If You’re Traveling Through Italy
If you’re planning to move around Italy on November 28, expect possible chaos — especially in transport.
- Trains: The strike runs from 9 PM on the 27th to 9 PM on the 28th. Only limited “guaranteed” services will run.
- Local Public Transport: Buses, trams, and subways will see major disruption. In major cities, some routes may run only during morning or evening “safe” windows.
- Airports: Planes could face delays or cancellations. ENAC (the Italian civil aviation authority) will guarantee some flights, especially essential routes and connections to the islands.
- Freight & Logistics: Ports and warehouses could slow to a crawl. Deliveries may be delayed. The ripple effect could hit supply chains.
- Taxis: Even taxi drivers will join the strike for 24 hours, potentially making catching a cab extremely difficult.
The Bigger Picture
This strike isn’t just a protest. It’s a political message. The unions want to force lawmakers to rethink priorities. They argue that public services matter more than military spending.
For travelers, that means planning ahead. Check your train or flight status. Expect delays or sudden changes. If you rely on public transport, build in extra time.
But for workers, this is a moment to fight for dignity — decent pay, safer jobs, and a fairer future. The stakes feel huge, and that’s exactly how the unions want it.
