ROME- Italian union workers’ strike severely cripples the transport sector this week, cancelling plans for thousands of travellers. Multiple transportation unions in Italy have called for a 24-hour labor strike on Friday. This strike has resulted in a cancellation of over 200 flights, both domestic and international.

 Workers at ITA Airways, Ryanair, Vueling, and more have called the strike to action after supposed ongoing disputes regarding pay, contracts, and working condition issues. At Vueling, workers said that they condemned the airline for the recent firing of 17 “committed and professional” flight attendants at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Part of a union statement read, “Italian workers (deserve) contracts that guarantee decent working conditions and salaries at least in line with the minimum wages provided for in the national air transport contract of our country.”

 Due to the issues present at these airlines, the strike was planned as a walkout on Friday. It is estimated that over 250,000 travellers have been affected by the walkout, with many receiving notifications only days before their plans about cancellations of flights.

 Public transport sectors have also expressed the possibility of taking part in the strike, putting more modes of transportation on hold for travelers. Demand for alternative transportation is expected to rise, and strike related pickets are also anticipated. 

 gs