ROME (AP) — A national strike called on Friday by Italy’s largest trade union in protest against the government’s budget plans widely disrupted transportation, health and school services across the country.
The protest, which targets the 2026 budget bill proposed by the conservative government of Premier Giorgia Meloni, comes just two weeks after another general strike organized by smaller trade unions, with the same motivations.
The strike mainly hit railway transportation, with cancellations and delays registered for both long-distance and regional trains. Public schools across the country canceled classes, forcing students to stay home because of a lack of local public transportation in many cities.
The CGIL union listed the reasons for the strike in a statement, including demands for greater investments in healthcare, education and housing rights, along with measures to tackle workplace safety.
CGIL secretary-general Maurizio Landini, who led a rally in Florence on Friday morning, criticized the budget as “unfair, wrong and dangerous.” He said that the main social emergency is now represented by low wages, and that government measures don’t address that.
Tens of thousands of workers took to the streets on Friday as demonstrations and rallies supporting the strike took place from north to south.
When the protest was announced last month, Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini mocked the union for organizing the strike as usual on a Friday, suggesting that it was an excuse for a long weekend.
They also defended the government’s budget bill, saying it addresses the citizens’ needs for lower fiscal pressure and more financial help for families.
Italy’s national strike comes just a day after the one called by Portugal’s two main trade union confederations, which severely disrupted travel Thursday and forced the cancellation of many medical appointments and school classes.
The two labor groups representing close to a million Portuguese workers said that it could be the country’s biggest walkout in more than a decade as they contested the center-right government’s planned changes to employment laws.
People march past the Duomo gothic cathedral on the occasion of a general strike called by the CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) trade union to protest against the budget law in Milan, Italy, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Marco Ottico/Lapresse/LaPresse via AP)
People march on the occasion of a general strike called by the CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) trade union to protest against the budget law in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Guido Calamosca/LaPresse via AP)
People gather on the occasion of a general strike called by the CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) trade union to protest against the budget law in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Guido Calamosca/LaPresse via AP)
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2025--
Porter Airlines is expanding its network from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), with new international, nonstop service to Florida and Mexico. First up are flights to Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), taking off today and tomorrow, respectively. Both routes will start with three roundtrips weekly.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251212914267/en/
Later this month, inaugural flights from Hamilton to Mexico are departing. Cancun (CUN) begins Dec. 17, with up to four weekly roundtrips, and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) begins Dec. 18, with two weekly roundtrips.
Flights will be operated on the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a two-by-two seating configuration and free, fast WiFi for everyone. All passengers will enjoy Porter’s award-winning elevated economy experience with complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware, and free premium snacks. Fresh and healthy meals are also included with PorterReserve fares, or available for purchase with PorterClassic fares.
Porter introduced service out of Hamilton in June, operating four domestic routes to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver. These destinations continue to be served year-round.
Available routes operating out of Hamilton are as follows:
Full schedule details and booking information can be found at www.flyporter.com.
Quotes
“The introduction of these four new routes at YHM deepens our commitment to the Greater Hamilton region. In less than six months, we’re giving travellers even more options to fly with Porter from their home airport - whether it’s across Canada, or to sunny southern destinations - while enjoying an elevated economy onboard experience that stands out across North America.”
- Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines
“This expanded service to four new sun destinations from Hamilton International Airport is a clear signal of Porter’s continued growth and commitment serving our city and region. It builds on the strong momentum Porter has achieved since launching service with four nonstop routes to key Canadian cities, delivering even more options for passengers to reach the destinations they want. Whether travelling for a sunny southern getaway or snowy Canadian adventure, we’re excited to welcome guests to experience the convenience and many improvements offered in our enhanced and refreshed terminal.”
- Ed Ratuski, Executive Managing Director
“By launching new service like this, Porter highlights the appeal of both regions as business and leisure destinations. We look forward to passengers enjoying this tremendous new option with Porter at Orlando International Airport.”
- Lance Lyttle, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International Airport
“We're excited to welcome Porter's seasonal service between Hamilton and Fort Lauderdale. Canada is our top international market, and this seasonal route will provide more flight options for our guests during the peak winter/spring travel season."
- Mark E. Gale, CEO and director of aviation, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
“The launch of the Hamilton–Puerto Vallarta route marks a new chapter in this airport’s connectivity. This new destination expands travel options for visitors from that city, who now have an excellent alternative to discover one of the most beautiful tourist destinations on the Mexican Pacific. At Puerto Vallarta International Airport, we remain committed to strengthening our infrastructure and operational capacity to ensure a world-class experience for every passenger.”
- Omar Torres Grajeda, director, Puerto Vallarta Airport
About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.
Porter Airlines is expanding its network from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), with new international, nonstop service to Florida and Mexico.
