A 24-hour nationwide strike by port workers took place in Italy on 28 September 2026, according to a report published by Corriere della Calabria. The largest protest was reported at the port of Gioia Tauro.
The unions Or.S.A., Mari e Porti and USB Calabria say the Ministry of Labour has failed to convene a promised meeting for almost five months on whether port work should be recognised as arduous and harmful to health. Such recognition could allow workers to retire earlier, under the applicable rules.
Another stated reason for the protests was an amendment proposed by the League party. The amendment would allow port operators to make greater use of temporary labour outside the existing recruitment system. Trade unions argue that this could increase employment insecurity, encourage wage undercutting and raise the risk of workplace injuries.
The unions also point to the repeated extension of low-paid traineeships instead of the conclusion of stable employment contracts.
Union concerns and government dialogue
Port work involves round-the-clock shifts, heavy machinery and cargo. The unions maintain that these conditions make it difficult and potentially dangerous work, in which a brief loss of concentration or an accident can have serious consequences. They say wider use of temporary workers could reduce the level of professional training and increase occupational risks.
The unions are calling for port work to be recognised as harmful to health, for the League amendment to be withdrawn and for extended low-paid traineeships to be replaced with full employment contracts. They want these issues to be addressed through negotiations with the government.
According to the unions, further delays in communication with the government could increase social tensions, lead to additional strikes and cause disruption to Italy’s port infrastructure. These are the unions’ stated concerns and forecasts; the supplied information does not establish that such disruption will occur.
