Italy: Rising violence against healthcare and transport workers

A series of violent incidents targeting public service workers in Italy has prompted warnings from labor unions regarding workplace safety.

In Brindisi, a patient at the Perrino Hospital allegedly threatened medical staff and patients with a cutter in the Pulmonology department. Carabinieri were required to disarm the individual. The FP CGIL union noted this follows other recent attacks at the facility, including an assault with a baseball bat, and is calling for immediate prevention protocols.

In Bologna, a healthcare assistant (OSS) at Maggiore Hospital was struck in the face by a patient, resulting in facial trauma and a seven-day medical prognosis. Unions described this as the third such aggression in recent days, labeling the security of healthcare workers a true emergency.

In Florence, a bus driver for Autolinee Toscane was severely assaulted, receiving multiple punches to the face following a service delay caused by a mechanical fault. The driver required stitches and a ten-day prognosis. Transport unions have announced a phase of protest, citing inadequate scheduling and insufficient protection for public transport employees.