Workers at the Italian ports of Trieste and Genoa are set to begin ‘indefinite’ blockades in protest against the introduction of the government’s new green pass, which comes into force on Friday, October 15, 2021.
The certificate, to show people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from COVID-19, is mandatory for all workers in the public and private sectors, affecting around 23 million people.
According to Laura Busettini, Vice-President of FIDI Italy, the action aims to pressure the Italian government into making the pass voluntary rather than compulsory, with further ports expected to follow suit.
‘Protesters may block major routes leading to port facilities, not allowing containers to be collected and delivered,’ said Busettini. ‘Moving activities will be heavily affected by this situation, which is a further challenge on the top of existing issues affecting shipping, transport and customs.’
She added that delays and additional costs – including charges for demurrage and detention, warehouse handling and storage – were possible as the result of the strike action.
Photo: Trieste, by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash
