In midst of tourist season, strikes ground flights in Italy

ROME, Italy: Air transport unions in Italy have initiated a scheduled strike just two days after a railway strike that completely halted train services. As a result, numerous flights have been cancelled and tourists during the busiest time of the year have been compelled to arrange for alternative modes of travel.

The workers participating in the strike were composed of pilots, cabin crew members, individuals responsible for handling luggage, and personnel stationed at the airport.

In the summertime in Italy, labor organizations frequently orchestrate transportation stoppages, which impact both local travelers and visitors from other countries. These strikes serve as a means for the unions to assert their requests concerning improved employment agreements and working conditions.

Nonetheless, amidst a surge in tourism after experiencing significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic for two consecutive years, the strikes occurring this year are having a significant impact.

The primary airline of our nation, ITA, announced the cancellation of 133 flights. The majority of these flights were within the country, while a few were heading to popular European cities like Madrid, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. Additionally, the budget airline Ryanair also had to cancel numerous flights.

Both Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport and Naples' airport experienced numerous flight cancellations.

The labor unions Filt Cgil, Uiltrasporti, and Ugl Trasporto declared that they initiated the strike due to contract disputes with Malta Air, the carrier responsible for Ryanair flights, which they found to be completely unsatisfactory.

Ryanair's website responded by acknowledging that the strike was outside of their jurisdiction and expressed regret for the inconveniences caused, including cancellations and disturbances.

Sara di Marco, the representative of Filt Cgil, criticized the government for delaying the meeting with unions to extend work agreements until the final moments. She stated, as per Reuters, that their intention is not to cause trouble for customers, and they are dissatisfied with the situation.

The labor union desired an earlier meeting with the government department, rather than just a day before the strike. They interpreted this as an effort to delay or prevent the strike from happening, the employee further explained.