Il November 17, 2023 a day of significant mobilization is expected in Italy. This date marks the development of a general strike, called by the trade union confederations CGIL e Uil.
The event fits in a particularly complex economic and political context, where economic difficulties are intertwined with political decisions is have aroused remarkable disputes.
The economic and political context that led to the strike
The Italian economic and political situation is a complex puzzle, with pieces that do not seem to fit together.
On the one hand, we have a government that is navigating the stormy waters of economic maneuver, trying to keep the economic ship afloat.
On the other, the CGIL and UIL unions, who see this maneuver as a threat for the workers, they decide to bring out the heavy artillery: strike.
Economic stagnation and rising inflation
Italy, in recent years, has found itself trapped in a cycle of economic stagnation. With a growth rate that struggles to exceed 2%, the country faces a series of significant economic challenges. At the same time, another concern is emerging forcefully: theinflation.
Expected to exceed 4% in 2023, this price escalation threatens to further erode citizens' purchasing power.
The controversial maneuver of the Meloni government
In response to this situation, the government of Giorgia Meloni introduced a budget package is aims to reduce the public deficit through restrictive measures. The main ones include a tax increase, a pension cut and a wage freeze.
These decisions have sparked criticism from the unions, who see in them a series of unjust and harmful actions for the working class.
The reasons for the strike and the demands of the unions
In particular, CGIL and UIL urge the government to:
- Review the tax increase, so as not to be excessively burdensome on the less wealthy classes.
- Avoid pension cuts, to protect the rights of older workers.
- Initiate negotiations for the renewal of collective labor agreements, with the aim of recovering lost purchasing power.
The heart of the matter? The government's economic maneuver. CGIL and UIL see it as a low blow to the rights and pockets of workers, pensioners and young people, who are already dealing with impoverishment. So, from their point of view, the time has come to raise their voices: for higher wages, more rights, and a better future.
Political protests against trade unions
Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport, doesn't agree. His position is clear: the strike is a whim, a useless obstacle. It turns on like this a head-on clash with the unions, with mutual accusations and a climate of growing tension.
The guarantor agrees with Salvini
La Strike Guarantee Commission enters the scene and… surprise, surprise, he sides with Salvini. According to them, the strike does not respect the rules of the game: neither the “objective rarefaction” nor the “maximum duration".
In essence, the guarantor is asking the unions to review their plans.
Which sectors will strike
Despite the controversy, the strike continues. It will involve different sectors, with a particular focus on transport, school and public employment, but it will leave out some essential services such as energy and health.
The strike of the school, as always, will depend on the adherence of individual teachers and assistants, but given the harshness of the Government's forecasts membership is likely to be very high.
Similarly the discussion for public services, also dependent on individual memberships, but as there is a broader membership of the trade unions, it is presumable that membership will be high, leading to a paralysis of public services.
What are the strike times in the various cities
The trains will follow precise timetables, operating normally within the guarantee slots from 6: 00 to 9: 00 and the 18: 00 to 21: 00.
Regarding local transport, everything will depend on the participation of individual transport companies which, at the moment, have not yet indicated the methods and time slots, therefore we will update what is present later.
Strike in Naples on 17 November
Although still unclear, it seems that the strike methods in Naples will be very fragmented, with the possibility of a 4-hour strike, from 9:00 to 13:00, only for part of local transport.
Strike on Metro Line 1, Trams, BUS and Funiculars
ANM, the local transport company, has officially communicated that they will not join the strike on November 17th therefore transport will be regular on local transport lines.
Strike in Circumvesuviana, Cumana, Circumflegrea and Metrocampania NordEst
As regards EAV, the company has communicated that Will NOT join the strike, therefore the transport of Circumvesuviana, Cumana, Metrocampania NordEst and Circumflegrea they will not undergo changes.
Strike on Metro Line 2 and trains
Since Metro Line 2 is managed by Ferrovie dello Stato, its staff will join the strike of 4 hours of the sector, i.e. with one stop from 9:00 to 13:00.
Strike in Milan on 17 November
As far as transport in Milan is concerned, it is official now that Atm will not join the strike. The reasons are simple, ATM staff already went on strike last week and cannot proceed with another suspension of public service.
Strike in Rome on 17 November
In Rome Atac staff will join with the strike methods defined at national level, i.e by 9: 00 13 to: 00
The strike in the other regions on November 17th
In Emilia Romagna the private sectors will join such as:
- Autoguideways,
- Cosepuri,
- Saca,
- Coerbus
In Piemonte Gtt employees will join, while in Toscana only the Tuscan bus companies of the city of will participate Florence.
