European Travel Alerts: Strikes Expected Throughout December and January
Travelers across Europe are facing a wave of strikes impacting airlines, rail services, and public transportation.
Italy: A Month of Strikes Ahead
Prepare for widespread travel disruptions in Italy throughout December and January. On December 13, a nationwide 24-hour general strike will impact airline, rail, and public transport services, possibly extending to ferry services for Sicily and Sardinia. Motorway toll booths may also be affected. This strike is organized by the union USB (Unione Sindacale di Base), stating the government’s economic policies increase social inequalities and obstruct industrial growth.
The disruption continues on December 15, with a 24-hour strike impacting airports nationwide, staged by TechnoSky air navigation service staff. Air traffic controllers will also stage a shorter strike.
Commuters in Italian cities face disruptions on January 10, due to a four-hour national public transport strike called by the FAISA-CONFAIL union. While long-distance rail service and taxis are untouched. Expect cancellations or delays to impact buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, ferries and underground metro lines.
Florence will see railroad disruption on January 12. Similarly, commuters in Florence may expect tram delays and cancellations on January 25 due to a 24-hour protest by staff at Gest, which operates the city trams.
France: Train and Port Delays During the Holiday Season
French train travelers should brace for disruptions from December 11 onwards, potentially lasting until Christmas. The strike involves French state rail company SNCF, with four major railway unions protesting privatization of regional media routes.
While their website may show affected services 48 hours in advance, check the day before traveling.
Furthermore, expect minimum disruption on December 9 and 10 due to dockworkers striking, primarily impacting ports. Afraid to address ongoing asbestos issues.
Paris: EasyJet Workers Launch Indefinite Strike
Budget airline easyJet faces an indefinite strike by its French staff, protesting the closure of their Toulouse hub. The strike began in September and runs until December 16.
Further Across Europe
Finnair passengers are urged to check flight status for December 9 and 13. Around
33,000 passengers could be affected due to a strike by the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association.
Nationwide Strikes Impact Spanish Buses
Throughout December, a national bus strike will continue causing disruption to local and long Magnified While the strike is impacting regional services in
Murcia and Andalusia
The strike has been organized by the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) union, emphasizing the need for improved working conditions for drivers, along with the option to retire early without financial penalty. رابطランキング
What other European countries might be experiencing travel disruptions during the same period?
## European Travel Alerts: December and January Strikes
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, everyone. We’re keeping a close eye on developing travel situations across Europe. Joining us now is travel expert Mia Rossi to discuss a wave of strikes set to disrupt holiday travel plans. Mia, thanks for being here.
**Mia:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s jump right in. Italy is facing a particularly rough month, correct?
**Mia:** That’s right. Travelers heading to Italy should brace themselves for several disruptions starting in mid-December and continuing into January.
**Host:** Can you outline those strikes for us?
**Mia:** Absolutely. A nationwide, 24-hour general strike is scheduled for December 13th, impacting airlines, rail, and local public transport networks. This strike is organized by the USB union, who are protesting the government’s economic policies, claiming they exacerbate social inequalities and hinder industrial growth.
**Host:** So, essentially, travel within Italy, and possibly to and from the country, will be hugely impacted?
**Mia:** Exactly. They’re even considering extending this strike to ferry services for Sicily and Sardinia, and potentially affecting motorway toll booths.
**Host:** And that’s not all for December, right?
**Mia:** No, unfortunately not. On December 15th, there’s another widespread strike affecting Italian airports, specifically organized by TechnoSky air navigation service staff. This will be a 24-hour strike, and air traffic controllers are also planning a shorter walkout.
**Host:** This sounds incredibly inconvenient for travelers.
**Mia:** It certainly is, particularly those with time-sensitive plans. I recommend checking with airlines and travel providers for the latest updates and potential alternative routes or dates.
**Host:** Are any other countries in Europe experiencing similar travel disruptions?
**Mia:** While Italy seems to be the epicenter this time, strikes are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common across Europe. Employees in various sectors are using them as a tool to push for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
**Host:** Mia, thank you so much for this crucial information. It’s a timely reminder to stay informed and flexible with travel plans these days.
**Mia:** It’s my pleasure. Safe travels to everyone!
[[1]](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/12/04/europes-summer-travel-strikes-when-where-and-what-disruption-you-can-expect-in-october)
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