Travel disruptions are set to affect passengers across Europe this December and January, with strikes planned by various transport unions in Italy, France, Spain, and Finland. The walkouts, largely driven by demands for better working conditions and government policies, are expected to lead to delays, cancellations, and significant travel chaos. Here’s what you can expect:
Italy: General Strikes and Transport Service Interruptions
A nationwide general strike is scheduled for December 13 in Italy, expected to cause significant disruptions across airlines, railways, and public transport. The strike, organized by the USB union, is protesting against Italy’s economic policies, which the union claims worsen social inequality and hinder industrial development. Additionally, air navigation service staff at major airports will strike on December 15, while air traffic controllers are also planning work stoppages.
Commuters will also face disturbances on January 10, with a four-hour public transport strike called by the FAISA-CONFAIL union. The walkout will likely affect buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, ferries, and metro lines, though long-distance rail services are expected to operate normally. In Florence, delays are expected on January 12 and 25, due to railway and tram strikes.
France: Ongoing Rail Strikes and Port Disruptions
France is bracing for widespread rail strikes starting December 11, potentially lasting until Christmas. The strikes, organized by the country’s major railway unions, are in protest over the increasing privatization of regional rail routes by the state-owned SNCF. Both high-speed TGV and regional TER services, as well as international routes, are likely to experience delays. It is advisable to check schedules 48 hours ahead of travel, as disruptions are expected to be updated regularly.
Ports in France will also be impacted by strikes on December 9 and 10, when dockworkers protest for better pay and improved retirement benefits. Though these strikes are not expected to heavily disrupt passenger services, port operations may be delayed.
Finland: Pilot Strike Leads to Flight Cancellations
Finnair passengers are facing cancellations, with around 300 flights set to be grounded on December 9 and 13 due to a strike by the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association. The disruption could affect approximately 33,000 passengers, with further delays possible in the days surrounding the strike.
Spain: Bus Strikes Affecting Local and Long-Distance Services
In Spain, a nationwide bus strike that began in late November is expected to continue into December, heavily impacting local and regional services, particularly in the regions of Murcia and Andalusia. The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) union is behind the strike, demanding improved working conditions and better retirement benefits for drivers. Travelers relying on bus services for local and long-distance travel should anticipate cancellations and delays.
As always, passengers are advised to regularly check for updates on their travel schedules and confirm the status of services before heading to transport hubs. With these disruptions affecting multiple modes of transport, proactive planning will be essential to avoid unexpected delays or cancellations.
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