Italy: Unionized taxi drivers to strike nationwide July 5-6, protest in central Rome July 5

Event

Unionized taxi drivers are planning to strike nationwide July 5-6 over various issues, including government plans to deregulate the sector. The labor action has the support of several major drivers' unions and will likely result in reduced taxi availability.

Drivers also plan to demonstrate in central Rome July 5. Participants will gather from 08:00 at Piazza della Republica and march to Piazza Venezia. Protesters could use their vehicles to block nearby routes, potentially causing significant traffic congestion. While the protests will likely remain peaceful, heightened security measures, including localized movement restrictions, could also prompt some disruption in the vicinity.

Drivers have also erected roadblocks or held go-slow protests during previous strikes and could do so again around the country, prompting widespread traffic disruptions. Police could detour motorists around any roadblocks and/or limit traffic to one lane or direction only. Such protests will likely pass without incident, but minor skirmishes between police and participants cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm all taxi reservations July 5-6. Arrange alternative transport well in advance. Allow additional time for travel. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks.