Following union protests that closed down museums and archaeological sites without warning across Italy this year, the Italian parliament passed a bill to restrict culture workers’ right to strike. The measure classifies museums, archaeological sites, monuments, libraries and archives as “essential public services” on a par with schools and hospitals. The law requires culture workers to provide ten days’ advance written warning for any strike and states that the culture ministry can impose a minimal interval between actions to limit disruption. The measure was passed by the Italian Senate on 5 November by a vote of 138 to 67 (and 14 abstentions).
