Passengers travelling across Italy by train could face delays or cancellations this Sunday as staff at state-owned railway operator Ferrovie dello Stato, which includes Trenitalia, Trenord and Trenitalia Tper, and private company Italo plan to strike for 23 hours – from 3am on Sunday to 2am on Monday, September 9th.

The walkout was called by two of Italy’s largest rail staff unions, PdM/PdB and USB, to demand the renewal of collective labour agreements in the rail transport sector.

READ ALSO: Key dates: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in autumn 2024

While rail companies are legally required to guarantee the operation of a number of minimum services (servizi minimi) during strikes taking place on weekdays, there’s no such requirement for weekend walkouts.

This means that operators are free to decide whether or not to guarantee minimum services for passengers.

Trenitalia

National rail operator Trenitalia said in a statement that their services “may experience cancellations or changes” for the entire length of the strike, though the protest may also “result in service variations both before its start and after its end”. 

Trenitalia also said it will operate a number of minimum services during the walkout. These can be found here.

The operator advised passengers planning to travel on Sunday to check the status of their journey via the Infomobilità section of their website, their mobile app, or by calling toll-free number 800 89 20 21.

Passengers who have booked Intercity or Frecce journeys for Sunday and wish to cancel their trips will have until the scheduled departure time to request a refund. 

Passengers who have purchased regional train tickets will have to submit their refund requests by midnight on Saturday.

Italo

Staff at private long-distance operator Italo are also expected to take part in the protest.

Italo did not specify how the strike may impact its services, but delays and/or cancellations could not be ruled out.

Italo said it will guarantee the operation of a number of long-distance services during the walkout to “minimise disruption” for travellers.You can find them highlighted in green here.

For further information, you can contact Italo’s support centre at toll-free number 060708.

Trenord

Trenord, which operates a number of regional trains in the Lombardy region, including connections to and from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, said the walkout may have “repercussions” on regional, suburban, airport, and long-distance services. 

Trenord said it will not operate minimum services during the strike as this falls on a weekend day.

However, should airport link services be cancelled, replacement buses will run the same routes. 

See Trenord’s website for the latest updates.

Trenitalia Tper

Services from Trenitalia Tper, which operates a number of trains in the Emilia-Romagna region, “may experience changes or cancellations” due to the walkout, according to a statement. 

The operator hasn’t yet provided any information regarding possible guaranteed services.

See their website for the latest updates.

What to do if your train is cancelled

If a pre-booked rail service is cancelled due to strike action in Italy, passengers are normally allowed to travel on other equivalent services or are entitled to a refund.

READ ALSO: What are your rights if a train is cancelled or delayed in Italy?

Passengers travelling with Trenitalia can request a refund directly at the station, by completing this web form or via the Trenitalia mobile app. 

Italo generally issues refunds automatically.

Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.