A crucial meeting has begun in Rome between Federmeccanica, Assistel and the trade union representatives of Fiom Cgil, Fim Cisl and Uilm. The goal is the renewal of the national collective agreement for metalworkers for the period 2024-2027, an agreement that affects approximately 1.5 million workers. However, expectations are high and the risk of a breakdown in negotiations is tangible. The trade unions have warned that strikes could break out if “concrete answers” to their demands are not forthcoming.
On the wage front, the unions are asking for an increase of 280 euros per month on the contractual minimums for level C3 (formerly level five). In response, Federmeccanica and Assistel have presented a proposal limited to the increase linked to inflation (Ipca-Nei). Furthermore, they propose an increase of 700 euros per year for workers in companies without supplementary contracts, provided that they have a gross operating margin higher than 10% of turnover.
The employers' parties also suggested a series of measures relating to wage levels, social and welfare. However, the proposals were met with skepticism by the trade unions.
The statements released by the general secretary of Uil, Pierpaolo Bombardieri, highlight the precariousness of the situation: “If Federmeccanica believes that the current contract already recovers inflation, then it makes no sense to continue the negotiations”. With these words, Bombardieri highlighted the unions' frustration with contracts that do not provide for significant wage increases. The situation is therefore uncertain. While the unions aim to ensure better economic conditions for workers in the metalworking sector, the positions of the employers' associations seem distant. The confrontation between the parties will be decisive in the coming days and could profoundly influence the future of the sector. The need for an agreement is palpable; but if the parties do not find common ground, the risk of social conflicts will increase considerably.
Renewal of the National Contract of Metalworkers: Crucial Meeting in Rome In Rome, a decisive meeting has begun between Federmeccanica, Assistel and the Fiom Cgil, Fim Cisl and Uilm unions to discuss the renewal of the national collective agreement for metalworkers for the period 2024-2027.
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