Travelers heading to Italy and Spain may face significant transportation disruptions in the coming days due to planned strikes.
In Spain, train drivers represented by the SEMAF union are planning a 24-hour strike beginning Thursday, October 29, which will affect Renfe, the country's national passenger rail company. The strike is scheduled to run from 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. and is expected to impact rail passengers, with some trains continuing to operate under minimum service requirements.
The Spanish government has required 73% of Renfe's high-speed and long-distance trains and 65% of its medium-distance trains to run during the strike. Renfe has pushed back against some of the reasons given for the strike, citing its completion of steps agreed upon in a February agreement aimed at improving the country's rail system.
Travelers in Spain may also face disruptions on Friday, October 30, when drivers for Ouigo, another high-speed rail operator, are planning a separate 24-hour strike over working conditions.
Meanwhile, travelers in Italy could face disruptions to several forms of transportation. A nationwide general strike is scheduled for Friday, October 30, with transportation workers among those expected to take part. Rail workers are scheduled to strike from 9 p.m. Thursday through 8:59 p.m. Friday, and air travel could also face disruptions on Friday, with ground-handling workers at Florence and Pisa airports planning a 24-hour strike.
The strikes in Italy are part of broader unrest in the country, where recent demonstrations have led to clashes and prompted the government to deploy additional soldiers to Milan. Travelers heading to Italy or Spain are advised to check the status of their transportation before making any travel plans.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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