Powerful Fiat labour body FIOM is urging unions be represented at this weekend’s talks called by Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi to discuss the automaker’s Italian strategy.
The meeting has been called for this Saturday (12 February) following remarks by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne the Italian manufacturer could be based in the US following a potential merger with Chrysler.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
“Our position is the government must call the unions to be there on Saturday,” a FIOM spokesman in Italy told just-auto. “The unions must be involved to have a place around that table.”
Other politicians scheduled to attend the meeting include labour minister Maurizio Sacconi and cabinet under-secretary Gianni Letta.
The FIOM spokesman noted there had been a growing reaction to Marchionne’s comments in Italy, while insisting the prime minister “does not understand anything in terms of manufacturing and industry, but understands much about public opinion [and is] is building up a little show.”
The union – considered by many to be Fiat’s most hardline labour body – highlighted concerns Fiat could move its headquarters to Chrysler Group in Auburn Hills, Michigan – a possibility that has caused uproar in Italy.
“What is important for us of course is not only building cars here in Italy, but also all the research and development…in Turin,” added the spokesman.
“Fiat has a century of thinking [about] the car industry in Turin – this is very important for Italy.”
Marchionne suggested in San Francisco last week Fiat and Chrysler could merge within three years with a US headquarters.
