Retraining instead of closing. The agreement signed on September 30 between Bridgestone Italia Spa, the Femca Cisl, Filctem CGIL, Uiltec Uil and Failc-Confail unions, the unitary trade union representation body (RSU), the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Labor, the Apulia region, and the Bari province and town, is a first in Italy. After announcing the “inevitable” closure of its plant in March, the Japanese multinational backed out after a new form of protest, and negotiated the maintenance of the undertaking following the conditions defined in the agreement. The text notably provides that production will be resized towards mid/low range tires, substantially amends the organization of labor, cuts pay and offers incentives for 30 percent of the site’s workers to leave. (Ref. 130605)
A new mode of conflict and settlement. Leo Caroli, regional labor advisor in Apulia – first in line for 6 months during the talks leading to the agreement signed on September 30 with Bridgestone Italia Spa – is openly satisfied: “In Italy, it’s the first time a multinational backs out of a decision to close a site and leave the country.” Saying that this result was achieved thanks to the “wonderful synergy the region was able to activate together with the government, local institutions, worke
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