On Friday, March 28, 2025, metalworkers across Italy participated in an eight-hour national strike, demanding the renewal of the national collective labor agreement (CCNL) that had expired in June 2024. This strike, organized by the unions Fim-Cisl, Fiom-Cgil, and Uilm-Uil, aimed to reignite stalled negotiations with Federmeccanica and Assistal, the employers' associations representing the metalworking sector.
The contract in question affects approximately 1.6 million workers, and the negotiations, which began on May 30, 2024, have been at a standstill since November 12, 2024, when the employers presented a counter-platform instead of engaging with the unions' proposals. "Today, we stand with the metalworkers who are striking across Italy for the renewal of the national contract," stated Daniela Fumarola, leader of Cisl, via social media.
In Palermo, workers from major companies such as Fincantieri and Leonardo participated in the strike, with three buses transporting demonstrators to a regional rally in Siracusa. The procession started from the Eni west gate and concluded at Piazza dell’autonomia comunale in Priolo Gargallo.
Similar demonstrations took place across the country. In Bologna, workers gathered at Porta Saragozza, marching towards the Confindustria headquarters. Unipol employees also joined the protests, highlighting a united front among various labor sectors. The unions expressed frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations. "Despite the mobilizations and strikes in recent months, positions remain distant with Federmeccanica and Assistal, who do not reopen negotiations," said the unions.
In Naples, participation rates for the strike reached up to 100% in some companies, with hundreds of workers marching through Piazza Vittoria to Piazza dei Martiri, where a final rally was held. Mauro Cristiani, the general secretary of Fiom Cgil in Naples, emphasized the workers' demands for a €280 increase in minimum wages, a reduction in working hours, and enhanced workplace safety measures. "We presented a platform that was voted by 98% of the workers who said yes," Cristiani declared.
In Rome, hundreds of metalworkers gathered at Piazza Barberini, marching towards the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. The atmosphere was charged with chants of "Contract, contract!" reflecting the urgency of their demands. Maurizio Landini, the general secretary of Cgil, also joined the demonstration, reinforcing the call for negotiations.
The unions have reiterated the critical importance of the CCNL in defining salary increases to protect purchasing power, extend workers' rights, and enhance safety standards. "The current contract expired on June 30, 2024, and our platform proposes a €280 increase in minimum wages, which is deemed unsustainable by companies," explained Michele Di Palma, general secretary of Fiom.
While the unions push for substantial wage increases, Federmeccanica and Assistal are only willing to adjust wages in line with inflation, which has caused significant discontent among workers. The employers propose increasing existing tax-free flexible benefits from €200 to €400, but this has been met with skepticism by union leaders.
In Treviso, the strike saw a significant turnout, with union leaders calling for a resumption of discussions on key issues such as salary, working hours, and job security. Manuel Moretto, general secretary of Fiom Cgil in Treviso, stated, "It is unacceptable that Federmeccanica refuses to discuss the proposals voted and approved by 95% of workers for the renewal of the national contract."
In light of the ongoing deadlock, the unions have confirmed a block on overtime and flexibility in all workplaces as a form of protest. Without progress in negotiations, they have warned of further strikes and mobilizations in April. "We will continue to mobilize and strike because our CCNL is at stake, which is the primary tool for protecting workers," said Rocco Palombella, general secretary of Uilm.
The strike on March 28 marked the third national mobilization for metalworkers in just a few months, following previous strikes in December and February. This latest action underscores the growing frustration among workers and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing negotiations.
The situation highlights the broader economic challenges faced by many families in Italy, as rising costs of living continue to squeeze household budgets. Chiara Appendino, a deputy and vice president of the Five Star Movement, expressed solidarity with the striking workers, noting the difficulties many face in making ends meet. "In Italy, families are struggling to get by, and the government is not doing enough to address these issues," she stated.
As the strike unfolded, union leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong labor contract that goes beyond mere inflation adjustments. They argue that increasing wages is essential not only for workers' welfare but also for revitalizing Italy's economy. The unions have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met, signaling a potentially protracted struggle ahead.
With the stakes high for both workers and employers, the outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the future of labor relations in Italy's metalworking sector. As workers rally for their rights, the pressure is mounting on Federmeccanica and Assistal to return to the negotiating table and address the legitimate concerns raised by the unions and their members.
This ongoing conflict represents a critical moment for labor in Italy, as workers seek to reclaim their power and secure fair compensation in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The resolution of these negotiations will be closely watched, not just by those in the metalworking industry, but by labor advocates and policymakers across the nation.
