Is there a strike today?
'Sciopero' — 'SHO-pe-ro'. The 'sci' cluster produces a 'sh' sound. Three syllables, stress on first.
Ask when there are no buses and you cannot understand why. Italian transport strikes happen regularly and can cause complete suspension of service.
'Sciopero' (strike) is a word every Italian learner should know. Italy has one of the highest rates of transport strikes in Europe. By law, strikes must be announced and minimum services must run during peak hours.
Lo sciopero è per tutto il giorno?
Is the strike all day?
Asks about the duration.
C'è servizio garantito?
Is there a guaranteed minimum service?
By law strikes must guarantee some service.
Come arrivo in centro senza bus?
How do I get to the centre without the bus?
Seeks alternatives during a strike.
Italian transport strikes often follow a pattern: morning peak service runs, then suspension from late morning until afternoon, then resumption for the evening peak. Checking the union website the night before is advisable.