Italy faces nationwide train strike over 'worsening work conditions'

ROME (AA) - Employees of Italian state railway company Trenitalia on Friday went on strike to protest what they called worsening work conditions.

At the call of the railway unions, Trenitalia employees, including conductors and engineers, stopped work from 9 am to 5 pm nationwide.

During the strike, many Trenitalia trains were not operated, except for those guaranteed to passengers beforehand.

Participation in the strike was high, ranging from 80% to 100% across the country, and many high-speed trains, intercity trains, and regional commuter lines were cancelled.

Due to the end of the work week, many people who wanted to travel were affected by increased congestion on trains.

The Italian press reported on the strike under the headline "Black Friday."

At the Milan Central Station, union flags were hung on the platforms.

Unionist Angelo Zammito told Anadolu: "Train conductors and engineers went on strike today due to work conditions becoming increasingly unsustainable."