On February 28, 2025, metalworkers across Italy, represented by the FIM, FIOM, and UILM unions, will engage in unity strikes across several regions, including Verona. This coordinated effort aims to highlight their demands for the renewal of the National Collective Labor Agreement (CCNL) for the metalworking sector. The protests, which will run from 9 AM to 12 PM, will take place outside the gates of five key companies within the province.
Among the locations set for these demonstrations are Manni Sipre in Mozzecane, Acciaierie Venete in Dolcè, Xaylog (formerly known as Riello Sistemi) in Minerbe, Breviagri in Nogara, and Borromini located in Colognola ai Colli. Notably, the site of Borromini will also host additional protests involving workers from Vetrerie Riunite, who are currently facing threats to their employment due to the shutdown of one of the plant's furnaces and potential layoffs influenced by decisions from a Portuguese investment fund. This latter situation has heightened fears about job security for thousands of employees within the metalworking industry amid growing economic uncertainty.
Union leaders have pointed out the urgent need for improved wages, enhanced safety conditions, and job security for all workers employed within the metalworking sector. Adriano Poli, Martino Braccioforte, and Luciano Zaurito, the provincial secretaries of FIM-CISL, FIOM-CGIL, and UILM-UIL of Verona, expressed deep concerns over the lack of willingness from Federmeccanica to reenter contract negotiations. They stated, “Riteniamo grave l’indisponibilità da parte di Federmeccanica nel riprendere le trattative per il rinnovo del contratto nazionale dell’industria metalmeccanica.”
The labor dispute is compounded by reports of job cuts at several local companies, including Georg Fischer and the former Breviglieri, leading to increased fears of overall industry decline. Labor unions have raised alarms about the exponential rise in layoffs, which has spurred significant reliance on state support measures, such as unemployment benefits. The union leaders emphasized the necessity of policies aimed at securing employment and preserving local businesses.
“Serve mettere in campo politiche specifiche per garantire l’occupazione e la permanenza delle aziende sul territorio,” said the union officials, stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard the industrial labor market.
The planned protests are set to raise awareness of the precarious situation facing metalworkers, particularly as negotiations remain stalled. Local political figures have also weighed in on the matter. Luca Perini, secretary of the Sinistra Italiana Verona, extended solidarity to the workers under threat, urging local authorities, including the prefect of Verona Demetrio Martino, to activate discussions with local executives and union representatives to address the dire situation. He asserted, “Solidarietà ai lavoratori a rischio… affinché venga tempestivamente attivato il tavolo di confronto con le aziende protagoniste.”
This impending strike is not just about wage demands but deeply interconnected with job security and the very survival of the metalworking sector within Verona. Workers at Vetrerie Riunite are set to strike from 6 AM for 24 hours, with their own protest scheduled to coincide with steelworkers' demonstrations. The workers will gather outside their facility from 9 AM to 12 PM, voicing their grievances over the indefinite shutdown of one of their furnaces and its impact on employment.
These events highlight the broader challenges facing the metalworking industry, as companies grapple with financial pressures, increasing layoffs, and the impact of foreign investment decisions. With many businesses reconsidering their operational footprints, the demands of the workers become more pressing than ever, as they seek to defend their rights and working conditions against the backdrop of mounting industrial challenges.
The upcoming strike signifies not only the workers' resolve but also the urgent need for dialogues between labor unions, employers, and governmental bodies to address the myriad issues affecting local communities. This collective action underlines how the battle for fair wages and job security remains integral to the future of the metalworking sector and its workers.
With actions planned and solidarity expressed, the region awaits to see how management will respond to the united front presented by their labor force and whether it will lead to renewed negotiations aimed at not just preserving jobs, but also fostering a more stable and supportive working environment for metalworkers and their families.