Unions say won't move air-transport strikes for Olympics, irking Salvini

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 12 - Italy's trade unions said Thursday that they will not move air-transport strikes scheduled to take place on February 16 and March 7 after the country's strikes authority said the protests should be shifted so that they do not affect the Milano Cortino 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The Olympics opened last Friday and run until February 22 while the Paralympics take place March 6 to 15. The authority said the strikes should take place between February 24 and March 4. The unions are set to have talks at the transport ministry on Friday over issues regarding the renewal of the sector's collective contract that are at the centre of the protest. The announcement infuriated Deputy Premier and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. "Unions that ignore the authority's requests and the Ministry's proposals for mediation have shown themselves to be irresponsible and anti-Italian," the League leader said. "While the World watches at Milano Cortina 2026 with interest and admiration, it is absurd to consider blocking air traffic. "It is an affront not only to citizens but also to Olympic and Paralympic athletes. "We will respond forcefully, demanding respect for the law and for Italy". (ANSA). Read article...

By ANSA