The strike reflects growing discontent among Italian workers regarding economic policies and the impact of inflation on their livelihoods.
The limited participation of the Confederation of Italian Trade Unions suggests a divide among labor organizations regarding the effectiveness of such protests in influencing government policy.
The ongoing economic challenges in Italy may lead to further strikes and protests if the government does not address the concerns raised by workers and unions.
As Italy continues to face pressure from the EU to manage its public debt, the government's budgetary decisions may provoke more unrest among citizens.
Thousands of Italians participated in a general strike on November 29, 2024, to protest against low wages and declining purchasing power. The strike, organized by the left-wing CGT and the centrist CGT unions, lasted for eight hours across various sectors, although transportation was limited to four hours due to an order from Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. The unions criticized the 2025 budget bill proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right government, labeling it as inadequate to address the country's pressing economic issues.
The Italian Workers' Union emphasized the need to increase the purchasing power of employees and retirees while also advocating for better funding for health, education, public services, and industry. This strike comes amid significant criticism from the European Union regarding Italy's large budget deficit and the government's commitment to reducing public debt, which stands at nearly 3 trillion euros ($3.2 trillion).
While the strike affected many sectors, including education, healthcare, and postal services, transportation disruptions were minimal. Air Italy canceled 109 flights, including international ones, and Ryanair also saw some cancellations. Major cities such as Milan, Naples, Bologna, Palermo, and Turin witnessed demonstrations, although train services remained unaffected due to prior strikes by railway workers.
