Jubilee strike deal is imminent

(ANSA) - Rome, November 24 - Union representatives and bus, train and air transport providers were due to meet at the transport ministry on Tuesday afternoon to firm up an agreement on limiting industrial action during the upcoming holy Jubilee of Mercy. The deal, which has been in the pipeline for some time, aims to ensure public transport services to Holy Year pilgrims due to arrive from December 8. Under the agreement, parties should establish a 'control room' for monitoring and preventing conflict at key moments during the Jubilee.
    In addition, they are expected to agree on special 'grace periods' during which it will not be possible for transport workers to strike, to coincide with specific Holy Year events. Such provisions have already been enacted during the summer holiday exodus and over the Christmas and Easter holidays.