The Italian government blocked the airport strikes to avoid chaos in the middle of the ongoing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier, airline industry staff in Italy, including pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff, were threatening to walk out of work on Feb. 16, a week before the Winter Olympics were due to finish.
Airport strikes in Italy halted
Nationwide airport strikes on Monday that could cause chaos among travellers have been halted. Italian Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, has blocked the strikes, stating that travelling needs to be guaranteed during the global event.
The airline industry has not yet announced the rescheduled dates for the strikes but will likely be between Feb. 24 and March 4.
The airport strike planned for Feb. 16 and March 7 would have made situations worse in Italy, as it has been hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
According to the data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, 314 ITA flights are scheduled on Feb. 16. Earlier, easyJet, Vueling and ITA Airways staff members were planned to strike on Monday, Feb. 16.
Strike will affect travellers and tourists in Italy
When the strike happens, it will affect the tourism in Italy. Flights across Italy’s airports, including Milan, Rome, and Venice, would have been affected.
Union staff, including pilots, flight attendants and ground staff, are planned to participate in the strike. According to Italian aviation legislation, services must operate on the guaranteed time slots. These are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The strike could impact the tourists visiting Italy for Milan Fashion Week, the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and Carnival break.
Unions blame aviation employers for wage adjustments and work-life balance after cost-cutting measures introduced during the pandemic are the reasons for this nationwide airport strike.
What do you think the Italian government could do to negotiate and stop the airport strike? Let us know in the comments.
