Avoid These Dates if You’re Going to Europe for the Holidays. Strikes Are Expected

France and Italy are likely to be affected.

Thousands of protesters in Greece demonstrated on November 20 against the rising cost of living, which have significantly impacted Athens and Thessaloniki. Boat services from the capital to various islands were disrupted. While strikes and union actions are common in Europe, travelers should be aware that winter travel may be affected this year, with more protests planned across the continent. If you plan to visit Italy or France, be sure to note the following dates and stay informed about potential union actions.

Italy

First, the good news: Italy has an exemption period from December 18 to January 7 during which industrial action is prohibited. Additionally, essential services will continue to operate during strikes, and not every city will be affected simultaneously.

However, many strikes are scheduled before and after this exemption period.

This month, baggage handlers are taking industrial action on November 29 and WizzAir staff will also walk out for 24 hours on the same day. The USB union has called for a general strike against economic policies by the administration on December 13. Flights, railways, and other public transport including ferries will face disruptions and toll booths may also be impacted.

Two days later on December 15, staff at TechnoSky will stage a walkout for 24 hours. TechnoSky is Italy’s air navigation provider, so it’s likely that flights won’t operate as usual on this day. Additionally, air traffic controllers in Milan are also striking for four hours on the same day from 1 pm-5 pm, and you should expect cancellations and delays that Sunday. 

On January 10, there is a national public transport strike planned for four hours and all buses, trains, trams, ferries, and water buses are expected to be affected. Long-distance trains will not be impacted. 

There is also a train protest planned in Florence on January 12 that will disrupt local trains as well as long-distance itineraries. In Florence, tram services are again expected to come to a standstill on January 25 when operators walk out for 24 hours.

Related: Think Twice Before Visiting This European Island

France

France is known for its civil protests and union actions. This year has been relatively calm, with major strikes before the Olympics being called off. However, winter may bring renewed unrest.

Four major rail unions have called for a strike on November 21, leading to disruptions. This strike may extend into the winter, potentially affecting travel during the Christmas holidays. Unions have warned that if their demands are not met, further actions could begin on December 11. EasyJet workers in France have been protesting since September against the closure of the Toulouse hub, with notices running until December 16.

Additionally, the CGT (national trade union) has called for a one-day action on December 12 against supermarket Auchan, which plans to cut its workforce. Unions representing medical labs have threatened action on December 23 and 31, while civil servants will strike on December 5 against government cuts. Farmers, who blocked roads earlier this year, have also resumed protests due to unmet promises.

This year also began with a string of strikes in Europe. Christmas and New Year is a peak travel season, not just for tourism, but also for people to go home within Europe. Railway strikes planned around this time can cause massive headaches to governments and private companies, so unions can use this to their benefit, The Local France explains.