Air travelers in Italy should prepare for widespread disruption this Friday, September 26, as nationwide strikes by airport and airline staff are set to affect flights. Two major unions have called for 24-hour walkouts over pay and working conditions, impacting services across the country, particularly at Milan's Linate and Malpensa airports.
Key Takeaways
- Italy faces widespread air travel disruption on Friday, September 26 due to strikes.
- Unions CUB Trasporti and USB called for 24-hour walkouts over pay and conditions.
- Airline crews, airport staff, and ground handlers will participate.
- Milan's Linate and Malpensa airports are expected to be significantly affected.
- Guaranteed flights will operate between 7 AM-10 AM and 6 PM-9 PM.
- Further rail and airport strikes are planned for October.
Nationwide Action Impacts Italian Air Travel
Airport and airline personnel across Italy are planning a 24-hour strike on Friday, September 26. This industrial action is organized by the CUB Trasporti and USB unions. These unions represent a significant portion of Italy's rank-and-file transport workers.
The dispute centers on ongoing disagreements regarding pay and overall working conditions. Travelers planning to fly on this day should anticipate delays and cancellations.
Strike Details
- Date: Friday, September 26
- Duration: 24 hours
- Participants: Airline crews, airport staff, ground operations personnel, security staff.
- Affected Airports: Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Cagliari Elmas, among others.
Key Personnel Joining the Walkouts
The strike will involve various groups of workers critical to air travel operations. Airline crews from several carriers are expected to participate. Additionally, airport staff responsible for check-in, boarding, and other services will join the action.
Ground operations will also experience significant impacts. Baggage handlers employed by Assohandlers are scheduled to strike for a specific four-hour period. Drivers at Milan's airports will cease work for the entire day, further complicating logistics.
Security personnel at Cagliari Elmas Airport in Sardinia are also joining the full-day strike. This broad participation across different roles indicates a high potential for disruption.
"It's time for the companies that have so far refused to compensate workers at Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo airports to pay what they owe, and the other companies in the entire national aviation, airport and related industries to recognize workers’ rights," union organisers stated.
Reasons Behind the Industrial Action
Unions cite several reasons for the planned strikes. Stagnant wages are a primary concern for many airport workers. They argue that their pay has not kept pace with the cost of living or industry growth.
CUB Trasporti specifically highlighted issues such as the failure of airports to provide backpay for Sunday work. Wage discrepancies for vacation days and uncompensated laundry expenses for uniforms are also points of contention.
Union Demands
The CUB Trasporti union is pressing for:
- Resolution of stagnant wages.
- Backpay for Sunday work.
- Correction of wage discrepancies for vacation days.
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket laundry expenses.
- Recognition of workers' rights across the aviation sector.
Union organizers released a statement emphasizing their position. They noted that passenger and cargo traffic is increasing, but workers' wages and rights are being cut. This situation, they argue, leads to increased exploitation within the industry.
Beyond local labor issues, the CUB Trasporti union also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. They called for Italy and the European Union to impose sanctions on Israel. This broader political stance adds another dimension to the union's motivations for the strike.
Low-Cost Carriers Also Affected
Pilots and cabin crew from low-cost airlines Volotea and Wizz Air Malta are also participating in the 24-hour strike. Their reasons mirror those of other workers, citing low pay and poor working conditions.
This involvement of airline personnel directly impacts flight operations. Travelers booked on these carriers should be particularly attentive to updates.
Impact on Travelers and What to Expect
While the strikes will cause significant disruption, not all flights will be canceled. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has regulations in place for such events. These rules mandate that certain flights must operate even during periods of industrial action.
Specifically, flights scheduled to depart between 7 AM and 10 AM local time are guaranteed. Similarly, flights between 6 PM and 9 PM must also operate. These windows are designed to minimize the impact on essential travel.
Guaranteed Flight Times
- Morning: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Evening: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Travelers should still check ENAC's website for specific details on guaranteed services for September 26.
Outside of these protected timeframes, passengers should anticipate cancellations and extended delays. Airlines are expected to provide updates to affected passengers.
Travelers are strongly advised to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before departing for the airport. Allowing extra time for journeys to and from airports is also recommended due to potential ground transport issues.
Further Strikes Planned for October
The industrial action in Italy is not limited to this Friday. Additional strikes are already scheduled for October, indicating a potentially challenging period for travelers.
A 24-hour nationwide rail strike is planned from 9 PM on October 2 until 9 PM on October 3. This will affect train services across the country.
Later in October, airport staff will stage further walkouts. Rome Fiumicino, Pisa, and Florence airports are expected to see action on October 13. Swissport Italia ground handlers at Milan Linate Airport are also due to strike again on October 29.
- October 2-3: 24-hour nationwide rail strike (9 PM Oct 2 - 9 PM Oct 3).
- October 13: Airport staff strikes at Rome Fiumicino, Pisa, and Florence.
- October 29: Swissport Italia ground handlers strike at Milan Linate.
Travelers with plans during these periods should monitor news updates closely. Consulting the Italian transport ministry’s official strike calendar is advisable for the most accurate information.
