Italian union FIOM says strong comments by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne concerning its decision not to ink a labour deal, were “unbelievable.”
Speaking to just-auto in Detroit recently, Marchionne blasted FIOM’s action as “nonsense,” in the teeth of consensus reached with Fiat’s other unions for a pay rise and bonus in exchange for more flexible productivity.
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“We have negotiated with the unions and FIOM refused to participate,” said Marchionne. “It is nonsense – 50% of the votes went in favour.”
But FIOM – which is also announcing a day of protest in Rome against the new deal – has hit back at Marchionne’s comments – while adding there is “no dialogue” between the parties.
“This is something unbelievable,” a FIOM spokesman told just-auto from Italy. “He [Marchionne] talks as if he was in the US and not in Italy. There is no dialogue – I am sorry to say there is no kind of dialogue.”
FIOM also revealed details of a national demonstration against the new agreement for 11 February in Rome, although as it is a Saturday, the union was at pains to insist it did “not imply any strike.”
The labour body also said it did not have representatives any more in Fiat plants, as the automaker did not recognise its shop stewards.
A Fiat spokeswoman in Turin confirmed to just-auto that FIOM was not recognised in its plants and no dialogue was taking place.
“We don’t speak with FIOM,” she said.
