The unions were calling for better job conditions for workers and protesting against privatisation.
The 24-hour strike affected thousands who had planned on using the country’s trains, buses, underground lines and airlines.
While Alitalia’s first 15 flights of the day went ahead as usual and all of the intercontinental services were unaffected, Gubitosi said the strike had forced the troubled airline to cancel 170 of its 622 flights scheduled for the day.
"Strikes on Friday in summer are irresponsible," he argued.
Italy is currently looking for a buyer for the struggling airline, which was put under state management in May after making losses for years.
"The doctrine of privatisation has gradually, dangerously spread through this sector, creating economic instability, unemployment, fewer services, and worrying reductions in safety, and sending salaries and workers' rights and protections into free fall," the SGB union said in a statement.
Italy is also due to spin off parts of the state railway company under a delayed privatisation plan to cut its huge public debt.
With ANSA/Reuters
