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, workers and unions,” he pointed out that this agreement could become an example to solve other ongoing crises.
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