Europe: Metal workers start second round of strikes

Metalworker unions from all of Italy’s three main union confederations, CGIL, CISL and UIL, called their members out on strike last month to push the employers to improve their offer.

Last month’s strikes, which lasted four or eight hours depending on local conditions, followed earlier strikes in December. Negotiations between the two sides broke down last November, after six months and eight rounds of talks.

The unions are seeking a new settlement for the period 2024-2027 and want an increase of €280 (around £235) a month for the benchmark grade, plus a matching uprating of other supplements.

They are also claiming an extra €700 (£590) for workers in companies without a local agreement, which normally delivers higher earnings.

The employers, who argue that the sector is facing major financial difficulties, have offered an increase linked to inflation, which they estimate will be worth €173 (£145) over the life of the deal.

With more than 1.5 million workers in around 30,000 companies covered, the metalworking agreement plays a key role in Italian industrial relations.