Italy Prepares for National General Strike Amid Transportation Requisitions

A nationwide general strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) is set to bring widespread disruptions across public and private sectors in Italy. The mobilization targets the rising cost of living, low wages, and government spending on military rearmament, drawing participation from workers in schools, healthcare, and various public services.

The demonstration also features a strong international component, coinciding with a global day of action by port workers against arms trafficking and port militarization. Despite the official general strike declaration, the transportation sector faced a last-minute requisition order issued by Infrastructure and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.

Minister Salvini acted upon a recommendation from the Guarantee Commission, which cited potential disruptions near the upcoming All Saints' holiday commemorations. The ministerial order postponed the strike for transport workers, covering railways, local public transit, and air and maritime travel.

However, the USB union strongly contested the requisition order, labeling it illegitimate and confirming that it would proceed with the mobilization across all sectors regardless of government intervention. While major transport operators like Trenitalia, Trenord, and urban transit agencies in Milan and Rome confirmed normal operations based on the ministerial decree, travelers were warned that localized delays or individual worker participation could still cause minor disruptions.

In addition to labor disputes, student organizations across the country joined the protests. In Rome, students occupied the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy at Sapienza University on October 28 in solidarity with the national mobilization. Marches and student assemblies were also organized in multiple cities, including Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Varese, where local transit companies warned of potential traffic delays due to street processions.

In major urban centers like Milan and Rome, authorities maintained maximum security alert levels following previous clashes and property damage incidents earlier in the month. Police forces and security personnel were deployed along planned protest routes, where organizers expected thousands of workers, students, and activist groups to assemble.

The USB continues to demand immediate economic relief, including automatic wage indexing against inflation, price caps on essential goods, lower utility tariffs, and increased public funding for health and education. As the mobilization unfolds, commuters and citizens are advised to check official transport updates and local service announcements before traveling.