Trieste becomes epicenter of Italian protests against green passes
Picketing of port workers could seriously disrupt Italian supply chains
Dockers in Trieste have launched a blockade on the operations of Italy’s most important commercial port in an attempt to draw attention to their demands to cancel the mandatory green pass imposition. This appears to be yet another installment in the continuing saga of resistance against government restriction, which sparked violent protests and arrests in Rome over the past weekend.
Trieste is also the main oil terminal in the Mediterranean
The Italian government’s plan for mandatory green work passes is expected to affect 23 million workers in the country so far. The certificate does not require employees to be vaccinated, however, in this case, they would have to show proof of a negative COVID test result or proof of recovery from the infection. If people choose to go the test route, however, they will have to pay 15 euros and take the test every 48 hours.
The Interior Ministry tried to make a concession, in order to keep the port’s essential activities in operation, by offering dockers free coronavirus tests until December 31, the expiry date of the measure.
However, the Trieste dockers turned down the offer, calling instead for the Green Pass requirement to be completely dropped. The ministry’s decision also drew criticism from the opposition, such as Matteo Salvini, whose party argued creates an unfair situation where the logistics sector would be placed in a preferential position.
La Stampa reported that the mood at the harbor blockade this morning was peaceful and the atmosphere jovial as participants reiterated that it is advisable to keep the tone low and avoid provocation and waving banners. The protest is, after all, unauthorized and there would be a risk of expulsion in the event of excessive incidents.
The demonstration helped prevent trucks from entering the port area, even though technically speaking the port continues to operate.
40% of port workers in Trieste do not have a health card, according to estimates.
“We do not know how long the demonstration will last,“Fabio Tuiach explained, speaking to La Stampa, a picketer who wandered around the entrance with a megaphone around his neck.”Of course, a week of blockade would also be a big pity for us, but this battle must be fought, there is no alternative. “
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