Rome: Italy Nationwide protests on Friday braced for blockades and possible disruption as new coronavirus restrictions for workers went into effect.
All workers must show a so called green pass, providing proof of vaccination, a recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test – or being declared absent without pay.
More than 86 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for certification.
But it is estimated that 3 million workers are without vaccinations – and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type.
These include large numbers in the freight industry – and many are angered by the new rules and refusing to comply, fearing widespread economic disruption.
Ivano Russo, director general of Confetra, a trade group, told AFP that of the 900,000 total truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers employed by members of his lobby, “25-30 percent” do not have covid certificate.
Dock workers in Trieste, a major Northeast hub, have threatened to go on strike indefinitely despite being offered free Covid testing. The same privilege has been extended to some dockers in Genoa to the north-west.
“The real problem with the Green Pass for all ports would be road transport, as is usual for the port of Genoa,” Roberto Gulli of the Yule trade union told La Repubblica newspaper.
“There could be chaos on Friday.”
Still, according to government data, more than 560,000 Green Passes were downloaded on Wednesday, suggesting the arrival of the new rules is fueling vaccinations.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government has defended the green pass as a way to avoid further lockdowns in Italy, where the economy is expected to register nearly six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession.
Ministers did not see the prospect of accepting calls for free Covid testing for all, but ANSA news agency reported they were considering bigger tax breaks for the firms that pay for them.
Anti-pass protests were also expected across Italy on Friday, but the government hopes to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s demonstrations in Rome, which turned into violent clashes by far-right extremists.
Trade unions are also planning an anti-fascist rally on Saturday.
All workers must show a so called green pass, providing proof of vaccination, a recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test – or being declared absent without pay.
More than 86 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for certification.
But it is estimated that 3 million workers are without vaccinations – and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type.
These include large numbers in the freight industry – and many are angered by the new rules and refusing to comply, fearing widespread economic disruption.
Ivano Russo, director general of Confetra, a trade group, told AFP that of the 900,000 total truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers employed by members of his lobby, “25-30 percent” do not have covid certificate.
Dock workers in Trieste, a major Northeast hub, have threatened to go on strike indefinitely despite being offered free Covid testing. The same privilege has been extended to some dockers in Genoa to the north-west.
“The real problem with the Green Pass for all ports would be road transport, as is usual for the port of Genoa,” Roberto Gulli of the Yule trade union told La Repubblica newspaper.
“There could be chaos on Friday.”
Still, according to government data, more than 560,000 Green Passes were downloaded on Wednesday, suggesting the arrival of the new rules is fueling vaccinations.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government has defended the green pass as a way to avoid further lockdowns in Italy, where the economy is expected to register nearly six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession.
Ministers did not see the prospect of accepting calls for free Covid testing for all, but ANSA news agency reported they were considering bigger tax breaks for the firms that pay for them.
Anti-pass protests were also expected across Italy on Friday, but the government hopes to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s demonstrations in Rome, which turned into violent clashes by far-right extremists.
Trade unions are also planning an anti-fascist rally on Saturday.
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