Italian Unions Stand Firm on Air Transport Strikes Amid Olympic Concerns

Italy's trade unions announced on Thursday that they will not reschedule air transport strikes planned for February 16 and March 7, despite requests from the country's strikes authority to avoid disruptions during the Milano Cortino 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The ongoing Olympics, which started last Friday, will conclude on February 22, while the Paralympics are set to occur from March 6 to March 15. The strikes authority suggested that the protests should instead take place between February 24 and March 4 to minimize interference with the Games. Nonetheless, the unions, which will engage in discussions with the transport ministry on Friday, remain resolute in their decision. At the heart of the upcoming strikes is the urgent need for negotiations regarding the renewal of the sector's collective contract, a matter that has led to growing discontent among workers. As the unions prepare to voice their concerns, the focus remains on safeguarding labor rights while the world tunes in to watch the prestigious sporting events unfold in Italy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2