On 15 April a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the social partners that enables the re-opening of the fashion industry, a fundamental ‘Made in Italy’ pillar, while guaranteeing workers’ safety. Although the catalogue of preventive and protective measures to combat coronavirus is not particularly original in content, the social partners have been innovative in giving consultation an ongoing role at both national and company level.
The MoU signed by Confindustria Moda confederation, the employers’ organizations within it (Sistema Moda Italia, Assocalzaturifici (footwear), Assopellettieri and UNIC (leather goods), and the trade unions Femca-Cisl, Filctem-Cgil and Uiltec, intends to ‘prepare the ground’ for resumption of business. While the government has still not communicated the date when non-essential production activities can restart, and which could coincide with the end of the lockdown that is scheduled for 4 May, there is talk of allowing certain sectors with fundamental significance for ‘Made in Italy’ that includes the fashion (around 65,000 companies and 600,000 employees) and the automotive industries, to restart as early as next week.
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