Metalworkers Mobilize For Contract Renewal Amidst Stalemate

The mobilization of metalworkers in Italy continues to gain momentum as the expiration of the national contract on June 30, 2024, looms large. In a show of solidarity, approximately 250 to 300 workers gathered for a protest organized by the Fiom Cgil and Uilm Uil unions in the industrial area near Cherasco on May 9, 2025. The demonstration was part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing stalemate in negotiations for the renewal of the national contract for metalworkers, which has left many workers concerned about their rights and livelihoods.

This protest, which took place from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, involved employees from four significant companies in Cherasco: Westport Fuel Systems, Biemmedue, Mach, and Mtm Hydro. Domenico Calabrese, a representative from the provincial Fiom Cgil, emphasized the importance of the national contract as the sole mechanism capable of redistributing wealth to workers whose purchasing power has been severely impacted by inflation. "The national contract is the only tool capable of redistributing wealth to workers whose purchasing power has been eroded by inflation," Calabrese stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The Fiom Cgil is set to discuss new forms of protest at its national assembly convened in Bologna on May 20, 2025. This assembly will also address the upcoming referendums on labor and citizenship scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2025. These referendums are seen as critical opportunities to give a voice back to millions of workers and ensure their rights are respected. Antonio Silvestri, a representative from Fiom Trieste, highlighted two of the referendum questions aimed at restoring protections against dismissals that were in place before the introduction of the Jobs Act in 2015.

In a recent incident that illustrates the precarious nature of employment, a worker from a company with over 100 employees was dismissed for failing to report to work after being notified via WhatsApp while on vacation. Silvestri argued that such cases would not occur if all employees in larger companies had the right to reinstatement, rather than just those hired before 2015. The assembly also featured comments from Massimo Marega, the general secretary of Cgil Trieste, who echoed the importance of the upcoming votes.

Meanwhile, the industrial giant Leonardo has broken its silence regarding the national contract negotiations. Gaetano Giannella, the vice president for industrial relations at Leonardo, sent a letter to all Confindustria territorial offices calling for an end to the deadlock in negotiations. The letter, while officially addressing the appointment of a new president for Federmeccanica, clearly aims to push for progress on the renewal of the national contract for metalworkers. Giannella expressed concern over the delays in negotiations, stating, "We cannot afford to remain in a stalemate situation," and emphasized the need for a collective responsibility to address the issue.

Giannella’s message calls for a change of pace in negotiations and acknowledges that the proposal currently on the table from Federmeccanica is insufficient. He argues that a courageous initiative is necessary to restart the negotiation process, stressing that the contract renewal is crucial not just for workers but for the overall industrial relations within one of Italy's most important manufacturing sectors.

The strategic value of Giannella's letter lies in its potential to shift the focus of the discussion. It is not merely a communication directed at unions but a call to all stakeholders in the industrial system to recognize the real risks posed by the current uncertainty in contract negotiations. Leonardo’s intervention highlights the need for large companies to have their voices heard amidst the concerns of smaller enterprises, which may be more apprehensive about the economic implications of union demands.

At the local level, the Fiom Cgil of Terni recently held its general assembly, where leaders highlighted the pressing wage issues facing workers in Italy. Alessandro Rampiconi, the secretary general of Fiom-Cgil of Terni, reiterated the existence of a wage problem in the country, stating, "There are poor workers despite being employed." The assembly discussed the ongoing strikes in Terni, which have effectively halted production in the province, demonstrating the determination of metalworkers to reclaim their place at the negotiation table.

Rampiconi’s remarks were echoed by Loris Scarpa, the national head of steelmaking for Fiom, who emphasized the need for a robust discussion regarding the impact of employment on workers' lives. The assembly also touched on the geopolitical landscape, with discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine and its repercussions on socio-economic dynamics, particularly for vulnerable classes.

The Fiom Cgil of Terni is actively campaigning for the five yes votes in the upcoming referendums, with over 50 assemblies planned between May 12 and June 5, 2025. They aim to mobilize support for issues such as stopping illegal dismissals, increasing protections for workers in small businesses, and reducing precarious work conditions. The assembly concluded with a call for greater civic engagement, noting that declining participation in political and administrative elections could be revitalized through the referendums.

As the labor movement gears up for significant changes, the message is clear: the upcoming referendums and ongoing protests are not just about contracts; they represent a broader struggle for workers' rights and dignity in the face of economic challenges. The commitment to collective action is stronger than ever, and the outcomes of these initiatives could reshape the landscape of labor relations in Italy.