Strikes in Europe have become a common aspect of life, often initiated by workers advocating for better pay and working conditions within various sectors. The situation necessitates travelers to remain vigilant and informed about potential disruptions to their travel plans, as walkouts can either be pre-scheduled months in advance or announced with little notice. Our travel guide is designed to keep you updated on any announced strikes across the continent, providing necessary information on the timing and location of these disruptions so travelers can plan accordingly. Awareness of one’s travel options is crucial; should your flight or train suffer delays or cancellations due to a strike, you are entitled to compensation or new travel arrangements as outlined in our comprehensive guide.
In Italy, a nationwide general strike is anticipated to cause widespread disruptions on December 13, affecting airline, rail, and public transport services. This planned 24-hour strike, spearheaded by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base), is a response to government economic policies that labor leaders argue exacerbate social inequalities and inhibit development. In addition to the planned walkouts, there will be a 24-hour strike by TechnoSky air navigation staff on December 15, further affecting major airports. City commuters should expect additional disruptions on January 10 due to a four-hour public transport strike called by the FAISA-CONFAIL union, which may influence bus and tram services. Furthermore, delays in train services in Florence are expected due to various protests occurring throughout January, indicating that travelers should confirm service availability prior to their journeys.
As travelers look toward France, they should be aware that significant disruptions are anticipated starting from December 11 and potentially extending to Christmas. The strikes will affect both high-speed and regional train services as railway staff from the main unions protest against the privatization of rail routes by the state company SNCF. Though rail operators may notify passengers about affected services 48 hours in advance, real-time updates are recommended for the best travel experience. Additionally, dockworkers are planning to strike on December 9 and 10, addressing pay, retirement improvements, and ongoing workplace hazards related to asbestos in several ports.
Moreover, easyJet staff in France have begun a strike against the airline’s decision to close its Toulouse hub, impacting operations until December 16. Although the exact strike dates are not confirmed, travelers should remain attentive as ongoing actions may disrupt flights. As Finnair flights across Europe face cancellations affecting 33,000 passengers on December 9 and December 13 due to action from the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association, travelers should monitor potential impacts around these strike days along with those in France.
Further into Spain, a nationwide bus strike commenced in late November and is projected to continue throughout December, heavily disrupting local and long-distance services, particularly in the regions of Murcia and Andalusia. The strike, led by the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), is rooted in demands for better working conditions and the prospect of early retirement for drivers. Travelers in Spain should prepare for substantial challenges within the public transportation system during the coming weeks.
Finally, as the likelihood of significant strikes increases across Europe, we encourage travelers to stay proactive in checking current transport schedules and announcements wherever they may be journeying. If you have information on additional strikes not covered in this communication, please share it with us via Twitter to ensure all travelers are well-informed in preparation for their European adventures. By remaining aware and updated on the labor situation across various regions, travelers can navigate their journeys with greater confidence and ease.
