Ex Ilva, 24-hour strike for related and contract workers in Taranto

“There are 2,500 families in the abyss, hurry.” Very early this morning it was the turn of the workers of the contracting companies and of the former Ilva related industries to open the week which will see a new table on the former Ilva between the Government and the unions at Palazzo Chigi tomorrow, even if until yesterday no formal summons had yet reached either the unions or the commissioners of the extraordinary administrations of Ilva and Acciaierie d'Italia.

After the meeting in front of the business concierge of the former Ilva factory in Taranto, the Fim, Fiom, Uilm and Usb unions proclaimed the first 24 hours of strike for all contract workers starting from 9 am today until 7 am tomorrow. The workers occupied the provincial road to Statte as a sign of protest but a road block has also been announced on the state road towards Bari. "Let it be clear - the unions underline in the strike communication - that we will not stop unless there are solutions and extraordinary measures for all workers".

A strong decision given the shutdown of the factory's hot production area which, as confirmed on 11 September by the Milan Court of Appeal with an order, will take place by the end of October.

The week is therefore opened by the protest of related workers, while tomorrow a new table on the former Ilva between the Government and the unions is expected at Palazzo Chigi. As of yesterday, however, no formal summons had yet arrived either to the trade union organizations or to the commissioners of the extraordinary administrations of Ilva and Acciaierie d'Italia.

"Time is up", reiterated the unions, asking for employment guarantees, income protection and an industrial plan for Taranto. Also at the center of the protest is the blocking of dismissal procedures in the tender.