The table on Ilva has been cancelled. "We cannot accept, as a government, any step backwards on salaries and on the seniority steps acquired". This was stated by the Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda, who canceled the discussion table on Ilva with the company and the unions, explaining that Arcerlor Mittal has not kept the commitments made in terms of salaries and seniority increases.
“The opening of the table in these terms is inadmissible – said Calenda – We have to start again from the July agreement, where the salary levels were guaranteed. If we don't start over from that agreement, the negotiation won't go forward”.
According to the minister, according to what was reported by union sources, the company will have to return to the table after discussions with the shareholders. If this does not happen "the government would be ready to put in place all its prerogatives for the respect of the commitments undertaken".
The response from Arcelor Mittal arrived promptly: "On Friday we jointly signed with the Extraordinary Commissioners of Ilva a formal notification to the unions in which our commitment to hire 10 thousand people in the new Ilva was reaffirmed".
“We are disappointed – reads the note from the Luxembourg company – by the fact that we have not been able to start negotiations. We understand the importance of employment levels for the country and in fact we have shown flexibility, modifying the number of employees in our original offer”.
Harsh words also from Marco Bentivogli, leader of the metalworkers of the Fim Cisl: "We knew that the negotiations would be very tough, but with these premises, more than an agreement, we only see the company's willingness to fight".
On the same line Francesca Re David, general secretary of Fiom, who wrote on Twitter:
Well stop Government at the negotiating table. But that's not enough. On #Ilva unacceptable dismissals, outsourcing and wage reductions. pic.twitter.com/kY7n3vN8YQ
— Francesca King David (@RedavidF) 9 October 2017
