Italy’s rank-and-file union CUB called a 24-hour general strike for Tuesday, 28 October, in a communiqué issued on 23 October. The action covers both public and private sectors and cites demands ranging from higher wages to geopolitical protests over Gaza and Ukraine. Transport workers—including airport ground handlers, rail staff and local-transit operators—are explicitly invited to join.
Although Italian strike law requires minimum services in essential sectors, previous CUB actions caused flight cancellations at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, and severe delays on high-speed rail. The union’s timing—just days before the long All Saints’ Day weekend—could amplify the impact on business travellers and expatriate families returning home.
Employers should activate contingency travel plans, re-ticket flights for critical staff, and brief assignees on refund rights under EU261 and Italian consumer law. Rail-operator Trenitalia typically publishes guaranteed-train lists 48 hours in advance; companies with commuter passes should circulate this information promptly.
Travel-risk consultants note that political overtones may increase street-protest activity, especially in Rome, Milan and Naples. Staff working in city centres may face traffic diversions and should allow extra time for identification checks.
While the strike is scheduled for 28 October, unions often stage local demonstrate the preceding evening. Mobility managers should therefore treat 27–29 October as a disruption window and liaise with relocation providers for airport transfers and temporary accommodation if flights are re-routed.
Although Italian strike law requires minimum services in essential sectors, previous CUB actions caused flight cancellations at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, and severe delays on high-speed rail. The union’s timing—just days before the long All Saints’ Day weekend—could amplify the impact on business travellers and expatriate families returning home.
Employers should activate contingency travel plans, re-ticket flights for critical staff, and brief assignees on refund rights under EU261 and Italian consumer law. Rail-operator Trenitalia typically publishes guaranteed-train lists 48 hours in advance; companies with commuter passes should circulate this information promptly.
Travel-risk consultants note that political overtones may increase street-protest activity, especially in Rome, Milan and Naples. Staff working in city centres may face traffic diversions and should allow extra time for identification checks.
While the strike is scheduled for 28 October, unions often stage local demonstrate the preceding evening. Mobility managers should therefore treat 27–29 October as a disruption window and liaise with relocation providers for airport transfers and temporary accommodation if flights are re-routed.
