How will Italy's national rail strike affect travel next week?
The protest was called by Italy's largest trade union, Confederazione Unitaria di Base (CUB), to demand better working conditions for train drivers and conductors, increased safety on railway construction sites and a new labour agreement for the entire rail sector, according to Il Corriere della Sera.
The July 7th-8th walkout is set to affect both long-distance and regional lines, with the overall level of disruption expected to vary by region, city and operator.
Though there are no details on how many workers plan to take part in the strike, multiple Italian news reports have warned train passengers to prepare for delays and cancellations on several routes over the entire duration of the protest.
Under Italian transport laws, rail operators must provide a minimum level of service during strikes held on weekdays to allow commuters to travel to and from work.
Here's a look at how the upcoming strike could affect Italy's main rail companies, including the latest available details on guaranteed services (servizi garantiti).
National rail operator Trenitalia said in a statement that their services may experience "cancellations or changes' due to the strike, warning of potential disruption even before its start or after its end.
Trenitalia added that it will operate several essential long-distance services during the walkout. These are available here.
As for the regional train network, essential services will be operated over the following windows: from 6am to 9am and from 6pm to 9pm.
You can find full details about essential services in each Italian region on Trenitalia's website (under treni garantiti: ricerca per regioni).
Passengers planning to travel with Trenitalia on Monday or Tuesday are advised to check the status of their journey before setting off.
You can do so via the Infomobilità section of the operator's website or mobile app, or by calling their customer support centre at 800892021 (toll-free).
Trenord
Trenord, which runs a number of services in the Lombardy region, including connections to and from Milan's Malpensa Airport, said the strike could affect the normal operation of regional, suburban, airport and long-distance routes.
The operator said that trains scheduled to depart by 9pm on Monday and arrive at their final destination by 10pm would run as normal.
As for Tuesday, Trenord said it would operate a number of essential services between 6am and 9am.
Trains scheduled to depart after 6pm on Tuesday would run as normal, it added.
Should airport link services be cancelled due to the strike, replacement buses will run between Milan Cadorna (Via Paleocapa 1) and Malpensa Airport, and between Stabio and Malpensa Airport, according to Trenord.
For all the latest updates, see Trenord's website or mobile app, or call their support centre at 0272494949.
Trenord's customer support centre is open from 6am to midnight every day.
Trenitalia Tper
Services run by Trenitalia Tper, which operates several lines in the northeastern Emilia Romagna region, may also experience schedule changes or cancellations due to the walkout.
The operator said it will guarantee a minimum level of service over the following time slots: from 6am to 9am and from 6pm to 9pm.
You can find a full list of guaranteed train journeys here.
Italo
Private long-distance operator Italo hadn't made any announcements regarding the strike as of Sunday morning, but delays and/or cancellations cannot be ruled out.
Even in the case of severe disruption, the company said it will guarantee the operation of some services, which you can find highlighted in green here.
For further information about Italo services, passengers are advised to contact the operator's support centre at 892020 (toll number).
What to do if your train is cancelled
If a pre-booked rail service is cancelled due to strike action in Italy, passengers are normally allowed to travel on equivalent services or are entitled to a refund.
For further information on requesting a refund from Italy's two major rail operators, Trenitalia and Italo, see our separate article.
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