The Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) formally notified the Ministry of Transport on 14 September 2026 of a 24-hour national strike covering all port workers and terminal operators on 28 September. The action targets enterprises governed by the National Ports Collective Agreement (CCNL Porti) and the 16-17-18 service companies under Law 84/1994, potentially paralysing container, Ro-Ro and cruise operations from Trieste to Gioia Tauro. USB accuses employers of stalling wage negotiations and failing to enforce new EU occupational-safety directives. The walk-out coincides with peak post-summer shipping volumes and overlaps with vessel re-positioning for the Mediterranean cruise season, raising the prospect of delays, demurrage charges and re-routing to Marseille or Piraeus. Global supply-chain managers should immediately check carrier contingency plans. Many lines have already activated “sliding windows”, advancing ETAs to berth before 06:00 on 28 September or slipping arrivals to the early hours of 29 September. Perishables, automotive components and high-value fashion goods are deemed highest risk. Business-travellers transiting through ferry terminals in Genoa, Livorno and Ancona may also experience schedule changes. Companies should authorise flexible tickets and advise assignees to arrive at ports the evening before departure; shuttle-bus services for crew changes could be limited. Under Italian law, port pilots and emergency-response crews must guarantee minimum services, but stevedoring and gate operations are not considered essential. Employers with bonded warehouses should therefore build extra buffer time into customs processes.
