The lifeguards' strike is about to end

Rimini, August 7, 2025 – The lifeguard strike called by Filcams-Cgil for Saturday , which was supposed to include a march along the Rimini seafront, could resume even before it begins . This was suggested by Mauro Vanni, president of the Bagnini Rimini Sud cooperative and president of Confartigianato Imprese Demaniali, who firmly emphasized that lifeguarding is an essential public service . Consequently, he stated, there are no legal grounds for striking. “We are working with the Prefecture,” Vanni explained, “because lifeguarding is an essential public service, and to be able to strike, it is necessary to follow a well-defined procedure. We have informed our employees that they cannot take time off work: any interruption of service would constitute a crime , with potentially serious criminal consequences .”

The crux of the protest concerns the elimination of breaks during the middle of the day, a contractual change that the union claims worsens lifeguards' working conditions. Filcams-CGIL had therefore announced a day of mobilization and strike action for Saturday, with the intention of highlighting the issue, including through a public demonstration. But for Vanni, a strike is, in fact, impossible: "Technically," he says, " not even a requisition is necessary . Workers cannot strike. The Prefect has already established the essential nature of the service, and we have communicated this to all our employees. Today, we will complete the process by submitting and countersigning an official letter reiterating this point. We have also communicated this to the union, which held a meeting this evening to inform the workers."

According to the president of Confartigianato Imprese Demaniali, the situation is therefore clear and defined: "There is no room for misunderstanding or interpretation. If anyone decides to strike anyway," he warns, " they will assume full responsibility, including legal liability . It would be an interruption of a public service, and the consequences could be very serious."

Tensions remain high , especially among workers, who have long complained of increasingly difficult conditions, excessive workloads , and a lack of attention to quality of life. For unions, the elimination of breaks during the hottest hours of the day represents a further blow to a sector that often works in extreme conditions . However, the regulatory rigidity associated with essential public services threatens to nip the protests in the bud.

The union, for its part, has not yet announced whether the strike will be formally called off . Much will depend on the outcome of the workers' meeting. In any case, Vanni's words leave little room for alternative scenarios: "We have a duty to ensure safety on the beach. Without lifeguards, people's lives are put at risk. This is unacceptable."

Meanwhile, the debate is shifting to the political and legal realm. What should truly be considered an "essential public service" and how the right to strike can be simultaneously guaranteed remain open questions, especially in contexts like the seaside, where the boundary between public and private is often blurred. Meanwhile, the tourists flocking to the Riviera during these scorching days can (perhaps) rest easy: the lifeguards, barring any unexpected developments, will be at their regular posts , whistles around their necks and eyes fixed on the sea. Although, likely, with a less serene spirit.