Here's the latest: <BR><BR>On April 16, transport, health services and industrial production will stop for eight hours in protest at plans for greater labour market flexibility. <BR>Trains will stop from 09:00 to 17:00. <BR>Planes will stop from 10:00 to 18:00.<BR><BR>For public transport, it will be decided locally but nothing has been <BR>decided yet. <BR><BR>Almost certainly there will be no mail service. <BR>

Thanks for update. Keep us posted ....<BR>

does anyone know if I take a train out at 8:33 from Venice to Florence that is a Eurostar - will it run? Will it get there? <BR>Or would I be better off renting a car? OR is there even a bus option?<BR>Please help, I am a bit worried<BR>

Has anybody been on a train when a strike begins? Do they continue on to their final destination? Or does train wait at next stop until strike if off?<BR>

Topping

I wasn't going to post this since the strike is tomorrow, but i jsut received an e-mail alert from the US Embassy in Rome:<BR><BR>Italy's three major labor confederations - the CGIL, CISL and UIL - have called Italy's first one-day general strike in 20 years for Tuesday, April 16. The strike was called to protest the Berlusconi Government's plans to overhaul labor laws to permit greater flexibility in hiring and dismissing employees. Observers predict major disruption to the country's transportation network. Most scheduled flights and trains during the day will be cancelled; those operating will likely experience major delays. Banks and schools will close for the day, government health services will operate at minimum levels, and newspapers will not be published. Tourists and residents in the big cities are likely to experience the most inconvenience. Italy's national railway system, Trenitalia, has set up a toll free number for travellers: 8488-88088. You may visit their web site at www.trenitalia.com for current information. National airline Alitalia says that the air transport work stoppage, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will cancel all but six flights (two domestic, four international) during that time frame. <BR><BR>For additional information, call Alitalia toll free at 800-650055. Travellers are urged to call their airline or travel agent before commencing travel on Tuesday, and to expect delays.<BR><BR>Embassy Rome, the Consulates General in Florence, Milan, and Naples will<BR>all be open for business on Tuesday, as will the Congular Agencies in Genoa,<BR>Palermo, and Trieste. Visit the Mission Italy home page at www.usembassy.it for travel and general information for Americans abroad.

I have not been on a train but I have been on a bus when a strike begins. The bus stops. You can either wait (the strike was only scheduled for an hour that particular day) or get off. Also, services start slowing down before the actual hour of the strike (I know, how can you tell?) My advice is to not depend on public transportation tomorrow. Public transportation includes trains and buses. Everything will be closed, and huge manifestazione are planned throughout Italy. Use the time to observe Italian politics up close and personal. <BR><BR>However, as this is Italy, the following can happen (1) nothing will close (2) some things will close (3) most things will close (4) some trains may run, but probably not, and those that do will be so crowded you can't move. Sorry to be so vague, but trust me, the Italians wouldn't be able to answer you either.

Does this strike only last 1 day? <BR><BR>We are traveling by train on April 20. Any need to worry?<BR><BR>Thanx.

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Laura, According to the notice in my post above, it's a one-day strike. It never hurts to be prepared though. It would help if you posted your route in a separate message so people could give you alternatives.

topping for news of today's strike. Anyone?

Last try for information