Industrial action by one of Fiat’s principal unions is still due to go ahead, despite a decision by the Mirafiori workforce to accept a new contract.
Four out of Fiat’s five main unions have inked the deal for the Italian plant, but the hardline FIOM union has refused, insisting its strike call to Italian metalworkers for 28 January was still valid.
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FIOM’s ire has been provoked by what it says will be different worker representation at Mirafiori, with unions signing the agreement able to have input, but not those who did not put pen to paper.
“This is a crucial point,” a FIOM spokesman in Italy told just-auto. “Before [we had] the opportunity and ability to elect workers’ representatives within the plant. The unions that signed the agreement – and only those who have signed – may have representatives – in this case not FIOM.
“Our union called for a strike on 28 January – of course it is to do with the situation at Mirafiori – this is one of the main strike reasons. This is very important for us, it is a point of principle, it is democracy in the workplace.”
Despite FIOM’s stance, it appears increasingly likely it is starting to drift apart from its fellow labour organisations, who backed the Mirafiori deal with a 54%-46% majority.
The FIM (Federazione Italiana Metalmeccanici) union has reserved criticism for FIOM, urging its labour colleagues to sign the deal in order to protect investment and jobs at the Mirafiori plant.
“FIM has criticised us and their point of view is very far from us now,” conceded the FIOM spokesman. “We were very close, but now there is a long distance unfortunately.”
In welcoming the Mirafiori deal last weekend, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne nonetheless recognised the challenging nature of industrial relations at the plant.
“The majority of our workers have not allowed themselves to be conditioned by the many accusations and attacks of those that sought to gamble with their future,” he said.
“By saying ‘yes’ to the agreement, they have closed the door on extremism, that creates nothing but chaos and they have opened the door to the future, to the privilege of transforming Mirafiori into a factory of excellence.”
