October 2026 is set to be a month of significant industrial action across Italy, with strikes planned that will touch schools, public transport, and waste‑collection services in several regions.
On Friday 16 October, the independent trade union SISA announced a national strike for all school staff. Teachers, administrative and technical personnel, as well as support staff and school leaders, will refuse to work. Depending on how many schools join the walkout, some classes may be rescheduled, start later or finish early, while others could operate normally. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s school communications via the electronic register and official channels.
Two days earlier, on Wednesday 14 October, the Tuscany regional branch of Filt‑CGIL called a 24‑hour strike that will affect employees of FS Italiane in the region. The action is expected to hit the Faentina and Pontremolese lines between 9:00 and 17:00. Trenitalia has urged passengers to check the official app, the Infomobility section of its website, social media, the toll‑free number 800892021, and the ticket offices for any changes. Trains may experience delays or alterations before and after the strike period.
The most extensive action is scheduled for Friday 30 October, when the union Usb will stage a 24‑hour general strike that includes both public and private workers. The strike will begin at 21:00 on Thursday 29 October and end at 20:59 on Friday 30 October, potentially affecting railway traffic. Trenitalia will maintain a list of guaranteed long‑distance services, and regional trains will run during the usual 6:00‑9:00 and 18:00‑21:00 windows. Outside these times, cancellations or changes may occur. Passengers can request refunds according to the carrier’s terms: regional tickets by midnight the previous day, and Intercity or Freccia tickets by the departure time.
Other critical dates include Friday 2 October, Thursday 8 October (a 24‑hour regional protest in Sicily organized by SLM FAST CONFSAL and ORSA Trasporti), and the period from Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October, also in Sicily. Notably, the 30 October general strike announced by USI‑CIT explicitly excludes the railway sector, so trains should run normally that day.
Commuters and travellers are encouraged to verify train status before departure and to stay informed through the official Trenitalia channels. Those who decide to cancel their journeys should follow the refund procedures outlined by the operator, keeping in mind the different deadlines for regional and long‑distance services.
With a dense calendar of mobilisations, October 2026 will test the resilience of Italy’s public services. Stakeholders across education, transport and waste management are advised to prepare for potential disruptions and to keep abreast of official updates.
