Italian Rail Network Faces Nationwide Strike Disrupting High-Speed and Regional Services Across Major Routes

Italian railway operations experienced significant disruption following commencement of 24-hour nationwide strike affecting Trenitalia, Italo, and regional operator Trenord services from 21:00 on November 27 through 21:00 on November 28. Multiple transport unions including USB, CUB, and Cobas coordinated industrial action protesting wage structures, working conditions, and proposed government budget measures for 2026. Medium-distance and long-distance trains faced widespread cancellations or alterations, whilst regional services experienced extensive disruption across network affecting major corridors connecting Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Salerno, Bari, and Reggio di Calabria.

Italian strike legislation mandates essential service protection during designated travel windows, requiring operators maintain minimum service levels between 06:00-09:00 and 18:00-21:00 on weekdays. Rail operators published guaranteed train lists identifying protected services operating outside main strike periods or designated as essential services. Italo issued dedicated strike notice alongside downloadable guaranteed trains documentation specifying reduced timetable of protected services across primary routes. Disruption extended beyond rail sector, creating ripple effects across aviation, ports, motorways, schools, healthcare facilities, and public administration throughout Italy. National aviation authority confirmed protected flight slots requiring operations between 07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00 hours.

Strike action reflected broader labour dissatisfaction within Italian transport sector over pay structures, subcontracting practices, and safety standards, representing one of most widespread coordinated transport disruptions in recent years. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport engaged union representatives seeking negotiated settlements whilst implementing contingency plans ensuring essential travel needs remained addressed during industrial action period. Passengers holding tickets for cancelled services received refund eligibility or rebooking options depending upon disruption levels affecting specific routes and services.