Italy: Unions call for regional general strikes and rallies nationwide, Dec. 12-16

Event

The CGIL and UIL labor unions are calling for regional general strikes and rallies across Italy to denounce the Italian government's budget for 2023. Regional union headquarters will stage actions on a specific day between Dec. 12-16, varying between regions. Confirmed strike dates by region are as follows:

Dec. 12

• Calabria

Dec. 13

• Sicily

• Umbria

Dec. 14

• Aosta Valley

• Puglia

• Trentino

• Veneto

Dec. 15

• Abruzzo

• Marche

• Piedmont

Dec. 16

• Basilicata

• Campania

• Emilia Romagna

• Friuli Venezia Giulia

• Lazio

• Liguria

• Lombardy

• Molise

• Sardinia

• South Tyrol

• Tuscany

Actions on those days typically take the form of general strike periods ranging between 4-8 hours in addition to rallies in city centers. Adherence to the strikes and participation in demonstrations will vary by location.

General strikes may cause disruption to public sector services, including health, education, and local government services, in addition to public transport services, including municipal public transport, national rail services, and the aviation sector. However, Italian law mandates minimum levels of essential services during labor actions; therefore, the disruption is unlikely to be crippling. Public sector appointments may be canceled, and public transport schedules may be amended; services that do run could experience greater than usual congestion.

Demonstrations will occur in each region on the same days as the strikes. The largest related demonstrations are likely to occur in regional capital cities, with smaller actions in towns and cities regionwide. Likely locations are central squares and thoroughfares and outside government offices. Attendance will vary by location but could reach into the thousands at larger gatherings. Additional police will deploy to all demonstrations; large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized business and transport disruptions in affected areas. Most demonstrations are likely to pass off peacefully, but isolated clashes with security services cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm all transport bookings and appointments on strike days in affected regions; check for disruptions and allow additional time to complete journeys. Check trusted local sources for up-to-date information on strike periods and demonstrations. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.

Resources

CGIL Union