Italy: Commercial strike in five regions April 1-2

Event

Italian unions have announced a commercial strike in five regions of the country on Sunday, April 1, and Monday, April 2, to protest workers being expected to work at stores remaining open on Easter (April 1) and the Easter Monday public holiday (April 2). Retail workers in Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, and Sicily, and large-scale distribution workers in Puglia are notably expected to participate in the strike. Specifically, the strike is anticipated to bring commercial disruptions to the entire retail sector (including closures of supermarkets and clothing stores, among others) in Sicily on Monday, and in Tuscany and Lazio on both days of the strike. Shopping centers in Emilia-Romagna and large-scale distributors in Puglia will also be affected on both days.

Context

The strike is the latest in a series of protest actions over the liberalizing reforms of the Italian commercial sector which began under then-Prime Minister Mario Monti in 2011 amid the Italian debt crisis. Among other reforms, the resultant legislation made it possible for stores to remain open 24 hours per day on every day, including on public holidays.

Advice

Individuals in the affected regions of Italy are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for commercial disruptions, avoid any associated protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.