Trenitalia workers to stage eight-hour strike.

Italy is braced for a nationwide rail strike by Trenitalia staff on Friday 14 April, from 09.00 to 17.00, with major disruption expected to train services across the country.

The strike is set to result in total and partial cancellations of Frecce, Intercity and Trenitalia regional trains however a limited number of national services will be guaranteed, according to the Trenitalia website.

Trenitalia has invited all passengers due to travel on Friday 14 April to check their train status before going to the station, with information available via the Trenitalia app and website, the social media channels of the FS Italiane Group and the toll-free number 800 89 20 21.

The nationwide industrial action has been called jointly by the Italian trade unions Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, Uiltrasporti, Ugl Ferrovieri, Slm Fast Confsal and Orsa Ferrovie.

The unions said in a statement that the planned strike is in protest over the "worsening" of working conditions for railway workers as well as for cleaning staff and catering contractors.

Unions also called for a "serious confrontation" to resolve the "critical issues" facing Trenitalia employees.

Trenord

The nationwide action by Trenitalia staff coincides with a strike by employees of Trenord, the commuter rail network serving the northern Lombardia region around Milan, during the same hours.

However this strike is not expected to cause serious disruption, Trenord said in a statement, and airport services will be guaranteed.

All the same, the company advises commuters to use the Trenord app to check the real-time status of trains and to "pay attention" to announcements at train stations.