Tensions between employers' associations and unions in the metalworking sector are reaching a critical point. Starting next week, an eight-hour strike is planned in all companies in the sector, in response to the breakdown of negotiations for the renewal of the national collective agreement, which expired last June. This involves approximately one and a half million workers, signaling a deterioration in relations between Federmeccanica and Assistal on the one hand, and Fim, Fiom and Uilm on the other.
The recent meeting between the parties highlighted the failure of negotiations, with the unions declaring a new season of struggle. The gaps are particularly wide regarding wage demands. Fim, Fiom and Uilm have asked for an increase of 280 euros per month over three years for the minimum average level. On the contrary, the employers' associations have proposed maintaining the increase based on inflation, currently set at 173.37 euros over four years, thus extending the validity of the contract until 2028.
The unions criticized the proposal by Federmeccanica and Assistal for its approach to the contractual model, stressing that this would lead to “no certain increase” for the next few years. In addition to the strike, the unions also announced a freeze on flexibility and overtime. The criticism is not limited to wages; in fact, dissatisfaction has also emerged regarding the stabilization of precarious contracts and the proposal to reduce working hours to 35 hours per week.
On the other side of the fence, Federmeccanica and Assistal defend their economic proposal, arguing that it could lead to a potential benefit of up to 7,010 euros for the C3 level in the period 2025-2028.
Employers' associations say their offer is a response to accusations of not wanting to renew the national collective labor agreement (CCNL), highlighting how it takes into account the difficulties of the sector. In this tense climate, Federmeccanica and Assistal reject the unions' accusations of having erected barriers to their demands, instead attributing the responsibility for the conflict to the position of the three unions.
The conflict in the metalworking sector is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Italian workers in an uncertain economic context. With the renewal of the collective agreement still far from a definitive solution, it is essential to monitor future developments and possible reactions from the parties involved. The hope is that an agreement can be found that meets the needs of both workers and employers to ensure stability and growth in the sector.
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