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. This contract, which expired last June, affects approximately 1.5 million workers. Tensions are rising and union representatives have warned of the risk of a breakdown in negotiations that could lead to a strike, if concrete answers are not forthcoming.
The trade unions have presented clear demands on the wage front. In particular, Fiom, Fim and Uilm are asking for an increase of 280 euros per month on the contractual minimums for level C3 (formerly the fifth level). On the other hand, Federmeccanica and Assistal have proposed an increase based on the trend of inflation (Ipca-Nei), together with 700 euros per year for workers of companies without supplementary contracts, provided that the ratio between gross operating margin and turnover exceeds 10%. This proposal also includes other measures relating to wage levels and welfare.
“The forecasts are pointing to a breakup. If Federmeccanica says that the contract automatically recovers inflation, then there is no point in signing a new contract. We will not accept zero-euro contracts,” said Pierpaolo Bombardieri, general secretary of Uil, to the microphones of Agorà RaiTre.
The current context suggests that the next few weeks will be crucial for the metalworking sector. With workers' demands becoming increasingly pressing and employers' positions stuck on an increase limited by inflation, the possibility of a strike becomes concrete. This scenario highlights the need for constructive dialogue between the parties involved. The results of these negotiations will not only determine the working conditions of current metalworkers, but could also influence the entire Italian industrial landscape in the coming years. The tension is palpable and the future of the national collective agreement hangs in the balance.
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