Members of Italy’s major unions Cgil and Usb will strike for 24 hours on Friday, in solidarity with the international Global Sumud Flotilla that attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to condemn its interception.
The strike will affect the public and private sector, ranging from local transport and public administration to schools, airlines and trains.
Dispute with regulators
On Thursday evening, Italy’s Regulatory Commission ruled that the Cgil strike did not comply with regulations because it was announced only 48 hours in advance. However, union leader Maurizio Landini responded that the decision would be challenged and insisted the strike would go ahead as planned.
“Direct threat to safety”
In a joint statement, Cgil and Usb condemned the armed interception of unarmed vessels carrying Italian citizens on 1 October, describing it as a “most serious incident.”
“This is a direct threat to the integrity and safety of the workers and volunteers who took part in the mission,” the unions said.
CNA sourced reporting
