Commuters in Italy hit with new transport strike

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) – A new transport strike hit passengers across Italy on Friday as the country’s four main trade unions called an eight-hour walkout to protest against “repeated violent physical attacks” suffered by staff over the past few months.

In a statement issued earlier this week, the unions slammed an “intolerable” failure of transport companies to protect their staff from assault, saying further strikes could be expected in the future if their demands are not met.

Friday’s strike is the second public transport demonstration of this sort in two weeks. Last Friday, the strike registered a high staff participation, causing significant travel disruptions for passengers across Italy.

Over the past few months, there have been numerous reports of physical attacks against public transport staff, including drivers, ticket inspectors and station masters.

“To date, no intervention has been recorded to protect personnel by employers or even by the legislator with specific measures addressed to prevent and discourage attacks on public transport personnel. Immediate measures are required,” the unions said.

The strike started at 8.30 a.m. on Friday and will end at 4.30 p.m., however timings may differ slightly according to region.