The weekend is expected to be crucial for the negotiations between Ita Airways and Lufthansa, with unions expressing strong concerns about the progress of negotiations. Workers' representatives are asking the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the current shareholder of the newco, for an urgent meeting to obtain clarifications on the status of negotiations.
The dossier is currently in the hands of Marcello Sala, director general of the Department of Economy of the Ministry of Economy, who has the delegation on the subsidiaries. At the center of the discussion is the purchase price of Ita. The hypotheses on the table also include a possible recourse to arbitration to determine the final value of the acquisition. However, it is unlikely that the necessary documentation regarding the commercial contracts stipulated by Ita and Lufthansa with other companies, essential to guarantee competition, will be sent to Brussels by Monday. The deadline to complete the operation is set for November 11, but Brussels seems willing to grant more time to finalize the Italian-German alliance.
In recent days, Lufthansa has asked for a discount of several million on the second payment tranche, equal to 325 million euros, to acquire a further 49% of Ita. This request is motivated by the cost of investments made after the alliance agreement in 2023 and by the perception that the Italian company has devalued. However, the Ministry has rejected this request, insisting on compliance with the established commitments. The unions fear that any hitches in the negotiations could have negative repercussions on Ita Airways employees. Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, Uiltrasporti, Ugl Ta and Anpac have asked for a “clarifying” meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, underlining the importance of signing the commitments made:
“This failure to sign risks jeopardizing the success of the operation and if this were to happen, it would be extremely serious for the workers.” Furthermore, the unions are requesting a meeting with Alitalia Sai in extraordinary administration since a dismissal procedure has been started for 2,059 employees. It is essential to conduct a “joint examination” on the reduction of staff.
With employees able to count on financial support until December 31, 2024 through the Cassa Integrazione and subsequently on the Naspi, the future remains uncertain. The situation requires attention from the institutions so that workers are not the ones to suffer the consequences of complex negotiations and strategic uncertainties.
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