The leftist Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) trade union launched a general strike on Monday—not to demand better wages or working conditions, but to raise awareness of the “plight of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” According to Italian news outlet Il Giornale, the strike aims to shut down both public and private sectors across the country, causing widespread disruptions to travel and other services. It’s a move that departs sharply from the traditional role of labor unions—defending the rights and interests of workers.
The Italian State Railways (FS) has confirmed that there would be numerous disruptions to rail transport, resulting in the total cancellation of certain services, including Frecce, Intercity, and regional trains. Luckily for Italians, there are at least hours of operation guaranteed by law, which will remain unchanged, between 6 and 9 a.m. and between 6 and 9 p.m.
Numerous demonstrations in support of the ‘Palestinian cause’ took place. Around 80 (!) demonstrations have already been announced across the country, starting with one in Rome, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Piazza dei Cinquecento. According to USB, “tens of thousands” turned out. USB said, “There is a strong need in the country to halt activities to protest the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the complicity of the Meloni government with the State of Israel, and to stop the war and the arms race.”
Another protest planned in Genoa by the same USB aimed to block access to the port gates.
In addition to the sit-ins and marches, today’s general strike is inspired by the slogan “Let’s block everything to demonstrate against the genocide in Gaza and in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla.”
Other grassroots unions have joined the call for mobilization, as well as various associations and movements such as the Collettivo Autonomo Lavoratori Portuali (Autonomous Port Workers Collective).
Students have also been drawn into the political mobilization, with both secondary school and university students participating in the protests of what they call the ‘genocide’ in Gaza.
A protest in Bologna, a traditionally left-wing city, was apparently expected to attract counter-protesters.
The Rome protest saw tens of thousands take part, while in Turin demonstrators flowed over onto rail tracks at the train station. In Milan protesters clashed with the police, and a U.S. flag was reportedly burned, after the violent pro-Palestinian crowd destroyed the glass portal of the train station, with tourists fleeing in panic.
In Trieste, violent protesters hurled rocks at law enforcement officers, while in Bologna, the pro-Palestinian march blocked the main ring road of the city.
This is only the first round of a series of planned strikes expected to make life difficult for ordinary Italians this autumn.
