Milan experienced significant public transport disruption on Friday, March 27, 2026, as a strike by local public transport workers led to the closure of three key metro lines. The M1, M2, and M3 lines ceased operations at 6 PM, impacting commuters across the city. However, the automated M4 and M5 lines continued to run, providing some relief. Trams, buses, and trolleybuses also remained in service throughout the day.
Morning Disruptions and Afternoon Closures
The strike’s initial phase in the morning primarily affected the M3 line between Milano Centrale and Comasina stations, with normal service resuming around 1:30 PM. The more extensive closures of M1, M2, and M3 in the evening marked a heightened phase of the industrial action.
Reasons Behind the Strike: ‘Exhausting Shifts and Stagnant Wages’
The strike, organized by representatives of Al Cobas, aims to highlight several critical demands from transport workers. The union’s grievances include “exhausting shifts, blackmail, and deception.” They stated, “On March 27, ATM workers are striking because enough is enough. For years, we have endured a work organization that crushes those who drive, those in the depots, those who keep public service running, while the company continues to tell fairy tales about ‘modernization’ and ‘dialogue’.”
According to Al Cobas, the reality for workers is far different from the company’s narrative. They report “unmanageable shifts, double shifts, no recovery time, very long night shifts without breaks, etc. Increased workloads, while the staff does not actually increase. Stagnant wages, despite inflation and consistently active company balance sheets. Disciplinary pressures, controls, micro-management, constant blame. Total absence of real dialogue with those who actually provide the service.”
Impact on Milanese Commuters
The closures of the metro lines in the evening undoubtedly caused inconvenience for many Milanese residents relying on public transport for their Friday evening travel. While M4 and M5, along with surface transport, offered alternatives, the core of the metro network faced significant limitations.
Company Response and Future Outlook
The report from MilanoToday does not include an immediate response from ATM regarding the strike’s demands. However, the ongoing nature of such industrial actions underscores the persistent tensions between transport workers and management over working conditions and remuneration.
The strike on March 27 is part of a broader pattern of industrial action in the public transport sector, reflecting widespread concerns among workers regarding their terms of employment. Commuters in Milan will be watching closely for further developments and potential future disruptions as negotiations between unions and transport authorities continue.
