On February 16 and March 7, strikes in Italy's airline sector will unfold as confirmed by the unions, despite the government's attempts to postpone them. The strikes are organized in response to prolonged negotiations over the renewal of labor contracts that have remained unresolved for many months. Unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the companies' unwillingness to address their demands, indicating a lack of readiness to renew contracts on suitable terms.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has reacted swiftly to the unions' announcement, labeling the strikes as 'anti-Italian' and calling their timing 'absurd' given that they coincide with the ongoing Olympics. His comments reflect a broader concern among government officials regarding the impact such strikes might have on national pride and the economy during a significant international event. The move is likely to spark discussions about labor rights and the responsibilities of companies towards their employees.

The unions, namely Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, Uiltrasporti, Ugl Ta, Anpac, and Anp, have emphasized that the strikes are a legitimate response to unsuccessful negotiations, voicing their members' frustrations against companies that they feel have been unresponsive to their requests. This situation places labor issues front and center in public discourse, especially as the nation grapples with both economic stability and the public perception of its international image during the Olympic Games.