"A successful strike," according to the ORSA TPL union of ARST drivers and tram drivers, due to the high level of worker turnout and strong participation in the protest. Over 80% of workers in the automotive, rail, and tram sectors abstained yesterday, September 18th .

The union's figures "attest to a profound discontent, due to the indifference of ARST management, which for decades ignored staff conditions and has fully impacted the collective public service. Regional policy remains absent and inconclusive regarding workers' demands. The joint meeting with the RAS Councilor for Transport and Labor was not enough. A few months have passed, but the promises of action have been blown away," commented Luigi Melis of the regional secretariat of ORSA Sardinia.

There have been numerous inconveniences for residents: cancelled services, suspended lines, and cancelled return and transfer services across the island. "We apologize to our customers, but the responsibility lies solely with the arrogance of ARST management."

Workers are up in arms over the "farceous supplement" proposed by ARST for their paychecks: "A proposal that actually contains nothing compared to the past, no improvements in benefits or productivity bonuses," Melis continues.

Other long-standing demands of ORSA members include: "Refurbishing staff quarters at ARST warehouses and offices throughout Sardinia, reassessing company benefits and reviewing work schedules, clear rules on part-time work and transfers, stabilizing "hirers," establishing a computerized platform for shift changes, meal vouchers for all, and a complete overhaul of pay to align them with actual skills acquired."

The protest will continue until the workers' concerns are addressed: "We want answers from ARST management, whose position is absurd and ambiguous. And also answers from regional politicians," Melis concludes.