Italy: Unionized public transport workers to conduct a 24-hour strike nationwide Oct. 5 /update 1

Unionized public transport workers plan to stage a 24-hour nationwide strike across Italy on Oct. 5. The workers' strike affiliated with Orsa Transport is to protest the nonrenewal of employment contracts. Unionized bus, tram, and rail workers employed by public transport will likely suspend transport services countrywide, with the exception of Milan. The strike will not impact national rail services operated by Trenitalia. Transportation services nationwide will likely be affected by the strike action in major cities at various times throughout Oct. 5:

• Rome: Workers affiliated with the Orsa Tpl union will strike to demand improved safety conditions and increased wages for public transport staff. All transport services will operate during guaranteed service hours from 05:30 to 08:30 and 17:00 to 20:00 on the ATAC network.

• Naples: Workers affiliated with ANM (Neapolitan Mobility Company) plan to operate surface lines, including trams, buses, and trolleybuses, from 05:30 to 08:30 and 17:00 to 20:00.

• Bologna and Ferra: Workers affiliated with TPER (Emilia-Romagna passenger transportation) plan to operate bus services from 08:30 to 16:30 and from 19:30 to the end of service. The strike action may also affect the Marconi Express monorail, which connects to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).

• Genoa: Workers affiliated with AMT Provincial Transport plan to operate services between 06:00-09:00 and from 17:00-20:00.

Unless averted, the strike will likely disrupt bus, tram, and metro services across the country. Additionally, Rome's local railways, namely the Rome-Lido, Rome-Viterbo, and Termini-Centocelle lines, could also be impacted by the strike action. The strike may prompt increased traffic congestion and demand for alternative public transportation. Transport disruptions could also persist during guaranteed service hours. Lingering disruptions may occur after the strike ends. Picket protests are possible; heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any demonstrations that take shape.