Today, the railway staff of Trenitalia and other companies called an eight-hour strike, from 9:00 to 17:00, following the stabbing of a train conductor on board the regional train Genoa-Busalla. This tragic episode has triggered a reaction from the trade unions, who denounce an increase in attacks on railway staff.
The accident occurred while the train conductor, a 44-year-old man, was checking tickets on regional train 12042. At the height of the Genova Rivarolo station, he had an argument with two young passengers, one of whom pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim twice. Fortunately, the wounds did not affect vital organs and the train conductor was transported in red code to the Villa Scassi hospital in Genoa. The police promptly stopped the two attackers: a 21-year-old Egyptian and a minor. The Carabinieri of the mobile radio unit intervened immediately after the alert and took the suspects to the barracks for questioning.
The trade unions Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, Uiltrasporti, Ugl Ferrovieri, Fast Confsal and Orsa Trasporti have highlighted that this is only the latest episode in a long series of attacks against railway personnel. They also underlined the lack of adequate measures to guarantee workplace safety.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed solidarity with the workers involved in the strike, highlighting the government’s constant commitment to fighting crime and illegal immigration. However, the Strike Guarantee Commission called for consideration of a reduction in the duration of the strike, appealing to the unions' sense of responsibility. The unions responded by rejecting this request, saying that reducing the mobilization would be irresponsible. They insisted on the need to keep the attention high on these violent episodes, which cannot be considered “symbolic” in the current context. In a climate of growing concern about safety in public transport, this strike highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to protect rail staff and ensure safer travellers. The issue of safety remains at the centre of public and political debate as a balance is sought between workers' rights and operational needs.
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