Italy's transport minister, Matteo Salvini, has taken legal action to prevent two planned airline strikes that threatened to impact travel during the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The strikes, scheduled for mid-February and early March,risked disrupting essential travel logistics for athletes, officials, and visitors. In response, Salvini invoked the "precettazione" mechanism, a legal measure that compels workers to return to their duties in critical sectors, citing the importance of safeguarding the event.
Unions and the strike organizers argued that their protests were driven by unresolved disputes over contracts, wages, and working conditions, involving airline and airport personnel at carriers like ITA Airways, easyJet, and Vueling. Despite the government's intervention, the unions have not agreed to suspend their strikes, emphasizing the need to address their demands through negotiations.
The government underscores that the legal framework allows temporary suspension of strikes during such significant international events to ensure public safety and economic stability. Salvini expressed that while understanding workers' issues, the law prioritizes the Olympic's success and global image. The measures reflect Italy's intent to maintain uninterrupted operations of the transport network during this major sporting event, emphasizing the delicate balance between workers' rights and national interests.
