Italy: Unionized taxi drivers to strike nationwide July 20-21

Event

Unionized taxi drivers are planning to strike across Italy July 20-21 to denounce government plans to deregulate the sector. The labor action has the support of several major drivers' unions and will therefore likely result in reduced taxi availability and increased demand for alternative modes of transportation.

Drivers have also erected roadblocks or held go-slow protests during previous work stoppages and could do so again around the country during the strike period, prompting widespread traffic disruptions. Police could detour motorists around any roadblocks and/or limit traffic to one lane or direction only. Minor skirmishes between police and protest participants cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm all taxi reservations July 20-21; arrange alternative transportation well in advance of intended travel. Allow additional time to reach destinations during the strike period. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Do not attempt to cross protester-erected roadblocks.