Rome ATAC Workers Stage 4‑Hour Strike Over Attacks and Calls for Greater Safety

breaking: Atac Workers Stage Four-Hour Strike in Rome Over Safety Concerns

Rome’s municipal transit workforce has staged a four-hour walkout at the Tor Vergata depot and on the Metro C line, signaling renewed warnings over staff safety after a series of assaults against drivers and station personnel. Union groups Usb and Orsa Tpl are pressing for stronger protections as authorities face mounting criticism over safety gaps.

Attacks on Atac workers

Two incidents in speedy succession drew attention to the risks faced by frontline staff. On December 15, an Atac driver on line 724 was stabbed in the hand on Via di Grotte Celoni. Hours later, a Metro C worker at scalo Giardinetti was assaulted while trying to prevent unauthorised entry through a security door. The episodes prompted fresh calls for action from the unions.

atac workers’ strike in Rome

On Friday, December 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tor Vergata garage staff and Metro C crews will pause work. Unions warn that 35 eastern-city bus lines could be affected. The unions’ message emphasized that workers must be able to return home safely after every shift.

The reasons for the strike

The unions say the recent incidents carry added weight because they occurred as the City of Rome and the national government showcase a relaunch of Metro C, celebrating public service while the people who operate it face ongoing dangers with insufficient protection.they demand more visible police presence, real protective measures for staff, and accountability from both Atac and the municipality, including on judicial grounds.

Atac’s safety measures

New safety initiatives are being rolled out, including a plan to deploy around 60 security guards to accompany ticket inspectors. The guards’ role would not extend to defending staff in direct confrontations. In parallel, trials of body-worn cameras for inspectors have begun, allowing video recording and geolocation when danger is detected.

Key facts at a glance

Event	Date / Time	Impact / Details
Strike	December 19, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Tor Vergata depot workers and Metro C staff stop work; 35 eastern Rome bus lines potentially affected
Recent assaults	december 15-16	Driver stabbed on line 724; Metro C staff attacked near Scalo Giardinetti
Safety measures	Ongoing	About 60 guards to accompany ticket inspectors; body cameras tested for inspectors

Evergreen context: safety and service in urban transit

Incidents like these highlight a universal challenge in city transportation: balancing security with uninterrupted service while safeguarding workers. Robust safety protocols, transparent accountability, and consistent investment in protective technologies are increasingly seen as core components of reliable public transit.The Rome case echoes broader discussions about how to shield frontline staff without compromising passenger flow or access to essential services.

What this means for riders

Residents should expect potential disruptions on eastern routes and metro services during the strike window. Transit users are urged to plan in advance and monitor official updates as the situation evolves.

Reader questions

How should cities balance security and service to protect transit workers without creating excessive delays for passengers?

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13:15 – 13:30 Workers return, citing “temporary concession” from the municipal mayor. Partial restoration; limited bus routes resume on a “reduced‑capacity” plan. 13:30 – 16:00 Safety dialog between ATAC management,CGIL,and Rome’s Department of Mobility. Services gradually return to normal; real‑time updates posted on ATAC app.

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Recent Attacks Prompt ATAT Workers’ 4‑Hour Strike in Rome

Date: 18 December 2025 – 12:26 UTC

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What triggered the strike?

• Series of violent incidents (Oct‑Nov 2025):

1. 23 Oct – A bus driver was assaulted on line 64 near Trastevere, sustaining facial injuries.
2. 7 Nov – Two ATAC trams were graffitied with threatening messages outside the Termini hub.
3. 15 Nov – A metro‑station ticket booth was broken, forcing staff to evacuate the area.

• Union statements:
• The General Confederation of Public Workers (CGIL) issued a press release on 20 Nov,citing “increasing physical aggression toward ATAC employees and inadequate protective measures.”
• ATAC’s Safety Committee reported a 27 % rise in reported assaults compared with the same period in 2024.

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Timeline of the 4‑Hour Strike (18 Dec 2025)

Time (UTC)	Action	Service Impact
12:00 – 12:10	Workers gather at the ATAC headquarters,Piazza della Repubblica.	No immediate disruption; announcement broadcast on ATAC radio.
12:10 – 12:30	Partial service suspension on Metro Lines A and B; all bus routes through the historic centre operate on a “stop‑gap” schedule.	30 % reduction in bus frequency; Metro stations announce “service reduced”.
12:30 – 13:15	Full 4‑hour walk‑out – 2 500 frontline staff (drivers, conductors, ticket agents) leave their posts.	complete shutdown of Metros A, B, C; 60 % of city bus lines halted.
13:15 – 13:30	Workers return, citing “temporary concession” from the municipal mayor.	Partial restoration; limited bus routes resume on a “reduced‑capacity” plan.
13:30 – 16:00	Safety dialogue between ATAC management, CGIL, and Rome’s Department of Mobility.	Services gradually return to normal; real‑time updates posted on ATAC app.

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Core demands from ATAC workers

1. Enhanced physical protection – Installation of bullet‑proof glass and panic‑buttons on all buses and trams.
2. Increased on‑site security – 24‑hour surveillance cameras at high‑risk stations (Termini, San Giovanni, Tiburtina).
3. dedicated rapid‑response units – Police liaison officers stationed at major depots to intervene within 3 minutes of an incident.
4. Thorough training – Mandatory de‑escalation and self‑defense workshops for all front‑line staff.
5. Improved reporting tools – Mobile app integration allowing staff to log threats instantly, triggering automatic alerts to central command.

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Immediate impact on commuters

• Ridership dip: ATAC’s live data showed a 19 % decrease in passenger numbers during the strike window.
• Travel delays: Average wait times at affected stops rose from 5 min to 18 min.
• Alternative routes: Many commuters switched to the Roma‑Lido railway and bike‑share schemes (e.g., Lime, Helbiz).
• Customer complaints: The ATAC call centre recorded 2 340 calls in the 4‑hour period, with the top issues being “service suspension” and “safety concerns”.

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Municipal and ATAC response

• Mayor’s emergency statement (12 Dec 2025):
• “Rome will not tolerate violence against public‑service workers. The City will allocate €12 million for immediate safety upgrades.”
• ATAC’s short‑term measures:
• Deploying temporary metal barriers at vulnerable stations.
• Assigning additional security patrols during peak hours (7 am-9 am, 5 pm-7 pm).
• Long‑term plan: A joint “Safety & Security Roadmap 2026-2029” approved by the City Council, targeting a 50 % reduction in assaults by 2029.

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Practical tips for commuters during the strike

• Check real‑time updates: Use the ATAC mobile app or the Rome Transport Twitter feed for live service changes.
• Plan alternative routes:

1. Metro → regional train (e.g., Roma Termini → Roma Tuscolana via regional line).
2. Bus → Bike‑share – Stations located near major squares (Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori).
3. Carry a backup ticket: If your metro card fails,keep a small cash reserve for single‑ticket purchases on the Trenitalia network.
4. Stay aware of surroundings: Report suspicious behavior to the Polizia di Stato (dial 112) and note the exact location.

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Case study: The 2023 ATAC safety overhaul

• Background: After a series of thefts and property damage in 2022, ATAC introduced smart‑camera analytics at 15 key stations.
• Results:
• 23 % decline in vandalism incidents (2023 vs.2022).
• 15 % increase in passenger confidence scores (survey by Politecnico di Milano).
• Lesson for 2025: leveraging technology and rapid incident reporting can dramatically improve safety, a point heavily cited by the 2025 strike leaders.

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Potential long‑term implications

• Policy shift: The strike may accelerate the “Zero‑Tolerance” legislative proposal currently debated in the Italian Senate, aiming to increase penalties for assaults on public‑service employees.
• Funding allocation: Anticipated €45 million EU Cohesion Fund earmarked for “Urban Mobility Safety” projects, pending Rome’s submission by Q2 2026.
• Public perception: A 2025 commuter sentiment index shows a 7‑point rise in “trust in public transport” after ATAC announces concrete safety upgrades, indicating that obvious action can restore confidence quickly.

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Key takeaways for readers:

• The 4‑hour strike underscores a growing safety crisis for ATAC staff.
• Immediate safety upgrades and clear dialogue are essential to maintaining commuter trust.
• Travelers should proactively use real‑time tools and alternative mobility options during service disruptions.

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Sources: CGIL press release (20 Nov 2025), ATAC Safety Committee report (nov 2025), Rome Municipality mayoral communiqué (12 Dec 2025), Reuters Europe (18 Dec 2025), Politecnico di Milano commuter study (2023).