Update to our October 26 and 27 reports on Italy’s October 30 general strike.
October 29, 2026 — Italy’s transport ministry has ordered the transport part of Friday’s general strike moved to another date, citing the strike-free period around All Saints’ Day. The USB union says the order is illegitimate and that its members will strike anyway. As a result, it is unclear how many trains, flights and city services will actually be affected on Friday, October 30.
What changed
- The order: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini signed an ordinance on October 27 (reported as ordinance 204 T) asking that the strike be moved to another date in air transport, rail, local public transport, taxis, maritime transport and road-related sectors. The ministry cited the holiday strike-free period, which runs from October 30 to November 5. Workers who ignore the order can face sanctions.
- The union’s response: USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) called the order wrong and illegitimate. It said it will hold the full-day strike in all the sectors named and will accept the risk of penalties.
- What is not affected by the order: the general strike in other sectors, such as schools, universities and public administration, goes ahead. Demonstrations are planned in at least 50 cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Genoa, Naples, Bari, Palermo, Catania and Cagliari.
- Rail operators: Italy’s FS Group says trains are scheduled to run normally, and Lombardy’s Trenord has postponed its part of the protest. Individual trains could still be hit if staff walk out.
- New transport strike date: TBA. None had been announced at the time of writing.
Strike hours as originally called (before the order)
| Service | Original strike hours | Status now |
|---|---|---|
| Trains | 9 p.m. Thu Oct. 29 – 8:59 p.m. Fri Oct. 30 | Ordered postponed; FS says regular schedule; USB says it will strike |
| Flights | 00:00–23:59 Fri Oct. 30, plus ground staff at Florence and Pisa | Ordered postponed; actual impact depends on turnout |
| Taxis | 00:01–23:59 Fri Oct. 30 | Ordered postponed |
| Motorways | From 10 p.m. Thu Oct. 29 | Ordered postponed |
| Buses, trams, metros | Set locally | Ordered postponed; check your city’s operator |
What it means for airline travelers
- Don’t assume Friday is strike-free. The union has said it will defy the order, so some walkouts are possible even though operators are planning normal service. Check your flight and train on the morning of October 30.
- Flying standby on Friday? If walkouts happen, cancellations would push passengers onto later flights and fill seats. Have a backup day, and avoid tight connections through Rome or Milan.
- Florence and Pisa ground staff were also called out on Friday. If you are flying from either airport, allow extra time.
- Getting from the airport: taxis and local transport were part of the strike call. Have a backup, such as a pre-booked transfer or a rideshare app, especially in Rome and Milan.
- Avoid demonstrations in city centres on Friday and allow extra travel time.
- Watch for a new date. If the transport strike is moved after November 5, it could hit later trips. We will report it when a date is announced.
- US citizens can enroll in STEP, and Canadians in Registration of Canadians Abroad, to receive embassy alerts.
Sources
- L’Adige / ANSA — Mit precetta sciopero trasporti del 30. Usb, “lo confermiamo”
- Virgilio Motori — Sciopero generale 30 ottobre 2026, trasporti precettati ma protesta confermata
- Il Fatto Quotidiano — Sciopero generale il 30 ottobre: manifestazioni in oltre 50 città
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