Rome’s mobility authority has issued an urgent advisory after unions announced two separate strikes that will severely disrupt public transport in the capital next week. On Tuesday 9 December, the Sul trade-union federation has called a 24-hour walk-out of Atac staff, threatening metro, bus and tram services. A nationwide general strike led by the CGIL on Friday 12 December will compound the chaos, spilling over into rail operations and potentially affecting airport shuttle links.
During the Atac strike, services will run only during Italy’s legally mandated ‘fasce di garanzia’: from start-of-service until 08:29 and between 17:00-19:59. Outside those windows commuters and business travellers should expect station closures, absent escalator and lift services, and reduced ticket-office operations. The 12 December action is broader; it covers public- and private-sector workers, with rail unions planning to down tools from 00:01 to 21:00. Inter-city and regional trains may be cancelled, and freight movements through Rome’s beltline could be delayed.
![Rome Warns Travellers of Major Public-Transport Strikes on 9 and 12 December]()
The industrial action centres on long-running disputes over roster changes, meal-break conditions, safety in depots and budget provisions in Italy’s draft 2026 Budget Law. Although only Rome is hit on 9 December, nationwide ripple effects are likely as Trenitalia and Italo adjust rolling-stock rotations. Hoteliers report a spike in last-minute cancellations, while multinational firms with December board meetings in Rome are activating contingency plans—rerouting executives via Milan or Naples and booking car services well in advance.
Global mobility teams should alert assignees and short-term travellers to build extra transit time, download airline and rail apps for real-time updates, and keep taxi receipts for potential expense claims. Employers should also revisit remote-work protocols in Italy, as staff may struggle to reach offices on strike days.
During the Atac strike, services will run only during Italy’s legally mandated ‘fasce di garanzia’: from start-of-service until 08:29 and between 17:00-19:59. Outside those windows commuters and business travellers should expect station closures, absent escalator and lift services, and reduced ticket-office operations. The 12 December action is broader; it covers public- and private-sector workers, with rail unions planning to down tools from 00:01 to 21:00. Inter-city and regional trains may be cancelled, and freight movements through Rome’s beltline could be delayed.
The industrial action centres on long-running disputes over roster changes, meal-break conditions, safety in depots and budget provisions in Italy’s draft 2026 Budget Law. Although only Rome is hit on 9 December, nationwide ripple effects are likely as Trenitalia and Italo adjust rolling-stock rotations. Hoteliers report a spike in last-minute cancellations, while multinational firms with December board meetings in Rome are activating contingency plans—rerouting executives via Milan or Naples and booking car services well in advance.
Global mobility teams should alert assignees and short-term travellers to build extra transit time, download airline and rail apps for real-time updates, and keep taxi receipts for potential expense claims. Employers should also revisit remote-work protocols in Italy, as staff may struggle to reach offices on strike days.
