Angry workers disrupted air travel all over Italy Jan. 18 when they staged an eight-hour strike to protest the proposed layoff of 2500 workers at Alitalia. Some 500 flights were canceled and thousands of travelers were stranded. The action was the fourth strike against the aviation industry in three months, and more are likely in the coming weeks. Air traffic controllers are planning a strike Jan. 29 in Milan, which will likely close northern Italy’s busiest airport. Italy’s three largest transport unions are planning to strike the next day unless progress is made in talks with the government on proposals to change labor and pension laws. Follow local reports for current updates before flying into Milan or planning to travel around the country.
