Italy: Unionized transport workers to strike across Apulia on March 22

Unionized workers employed by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE), the primary train and bus operator in Apulia, plan to conduct a regionwide strike on March 22. FSE officials cite "organizational reasons" as the motivation for the work stoppage. Essential services are guaranteed between 05:00-07:59 and 12:30-15:29. Organizers indicate that 40 percent of the workforce participated in a similar previous strike on Feb. 9.

Train and bus disruptions are likely across Apulia throughout the day and may also occur during the guaranteed essential service periods. Picket protests are possible at the FSE headquarters on Via Giovanni Amendola in Bari or at transport hubs across Apulia. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely at any demonstrations that occur; low-level confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out.