The 24-hour national strike launched by Cub Trasporti on 26 September 2025 is having repercussions on freight operations at Milan Malpensa airport, where the union has concentrated its action at the cargocity, blocking all access gates. The mobilisation, which has also led to the cancellation of 39 passenger flights, directly involves airport logistics workers. The demonstration began in the morning at Terminal 1 and moved towards the cargo area, where union representatives set up a permanent assembly. The stoppage currently covers not only ramp vehicle movements but also handling and sorting inside the warehouses. The role of Alha, the leading cargo handling operator at Malpensa, together with other companies affiliated with Assohandlers, is central to the protest, with a four-hour stoppage from 10:00 to 14:00 complementing the 24-hour strike in other categories, including Sea drivers and cleaning staff from Dussmann Service.
The union’s demands are both contractual and political. Cub Trasporti is calling for recognition of Sunday work bonuses and payment of overdue wages for employees responsible for washing work clothes. Other claims include correct allocation of holiday allowances and stabilisation of fixed-term contracts. On the political front, the protest is tied to support for the Palestinian population and opposition to the use of civilian airports as transit points for military supplies. In this regard, the direct reference is to the opening at Malpensa last May of an operations office of the 1st Reception and Sorting Group of the Italian Air Force.
The blockade of cargocity access gates is affecting import-export flows, particularly for temperature-controlled supply chains and intercontinental connections. The strike is also slowing sorting operations towards road couriers, at a time of rising volumes linked to the start of the autumn season. Today’s strike is part of a series of repeated mobilisations in the transport sector, with further strikes announced for October in the rail sector and at other Italian airports.
