Confederação Geral Italiana of Trabalho (CGIL) began a 24-hour national strike this Friday, December 12, 2025, affecting transport, education and health across the country. The mobilization, called against the 2026 budget project of the Giorgia Meloni government, aims to protest cuts in essential services and increased military spending. Milhões of workers join the movement, with demonstrations in cities such as Roma, Milão and Florença.
Rail operators such as Trenitalia and Italo report hundreds of cancellations from midnight local Italian time until 9pm. Passageiros faces replacements by buses on routes to airports, especially in Milão. The action takes place in the midst of a cost of living crisis, according to CGIL, which advocates more social investments.
Authorities guarantee minimum services at peak times, but the impact extends to buses and subways in Nápoles and Florença. Hospitais prioritize emergencies, while schools suspend classes in several regions. The government classifies membership as limited, but unions predict massive membership.
- Main affected cities: Roma (buses operate normally via Atac), Milão (metro with reduced schedules),
- Sectors involved: 80% of public and private workers, except aviation and justice.
- Duration: From 00:00 to 21:00, with prolonged effects over the weekend.
Transport disruptions dominate the day
The strike directly affects long-distance train lines, with Trenitalia canceling 70% of scheduled departures so far. Ônibus urban areas in northern regions, like Lombardia, operate with a reduced fleet, forcing drivers to alternate minimum shifts.
Passengers receive full refunds or rebooking options, in accordance with União Europeia rules for union strikes. Italo, a competitor to Trenitalia, confirms 50 affected trains, prioritizing connections to the south of Itália.
https://twitter.com/ansa_english/status/1999439048650158375?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwCGIL’s reasons against the budget
The union criticizes the bill for prioritizing fiscal austerity, with 15% reductions in funding for health and education in the coming years. Líderes from CGIL, like Maurizio Landini, argue that the text ignores inflation above 5% in the Italian cost of living.
The proposal includes raising the minimum retirement age by two years, a measure rejected by 90% of members in a recent internal consultation. Gastos military grows by 12 billion euros, diverting resources from social policies, according to data from Ministério from Economia.
The entity proposes a solidarity tax on fortunes above 1 million euros, designed to raise 26 billion annually and finance contract renewals. Essa initiative aims to balance the budget without affecting the middle classes, based on independent economic studies.
Schools and universities suspend activities
Institutes in Milão and Turim close their doors completely, impacting 2 million students this Friday. Universidades and Bolonha cancel lectures and exams, opting for online platforms for continuity.
Educational managers activate contingency plans, but 60% of morning classes were suspended in central regions. Pais receive notifications via school apps about teacher absences.
In Florença, college campuses limit access to essential libraries, while school meal services stop entirely. Teacher adherence reaches 75%, according to union estimates.
Some schools in the South have kept their doors open with volunteer staff, but extracurricular activities such as sports have been eliminated.
Hospitals prioritize urgent care
Emergency units in Roma and Nápoles operate around the clock, with medical teams on extended duty. Consultas electives, representing 40% of daily schedules, were rescheduled for January.
Surgeries scheduled in Milão clinics postpone 300 procedures, prioritizing oncological and cardiac cases. O Ministério da Saúde monitora o fluxo para evitar sobrecargas em UTIs.
Support services such as radiology operate at 50% capacity, affecting rapid diagnoses. Pacientes chronic patients receive guidance over the telephone for home management.
Regional demonstrations mark the protest
Processions in Roma bring together thousands from 9am local time, leaving from Piazza Santa Maria Novella towards the historic center. Em Milão, concentrations in Duomo attract factory delegates, with banners against job insecurity.
Florence records the biggest act, with Landini speaking at 2pm on equitable tax reform. Participantes include metalworkers and public servants, totaling 100 thousand on the streets.
Options for passengers during the shutdown
Train trips purchased in advance allow full refunds without fees, via operator apps. Alternativas include ridesharing on government-regulated platforms.
- Check status: Sites from Trenitalia update guaranteed train lists every hour.
- Subsidies: Trabalhadores self-employed people access assistance of up to 50 euros per day lost, via union funds.
- Alternative routes: Ferries to islands operate with minimal delays, except essential lines to Sardenha.
A merchandise shutdown affects logistics deliveries, with Gênova ports recording 30% less container movement. Private Setor, such as automotive industries in Turim, suspends production lines due to lack of labor.
Vigili del Fuoco adhere for four hours, from 9 am to 1 pm, limiting responses to non-residential fires. Táxis and rent-a-car maintain full services, with a 20% increase in urban demand.
The action reflects discontent with fiscal inequalities, where the richest 10% hold 40% of national wealth, according to reports from Banco of Itália. Sindicatos plan post-strike negotiations to include amendments in the budget.