Protest at Bottero di Cuneo lasting two hours, with approximately 200 workers gathered at the entrance
In an unprecedented move, workers at the Bottero plant in Cuneo, a leading glass processing machinery company, staged a strike today, marking the first industrial action in over a decade. The primary focus of the workers' assembly was the renewal of the company bonus, with the Fiom Cgil union and the company's works council organising the event.
The current company bonus structure has been a source of contention, as some targets were not met, resulting in an average payment of 440 euros, a significant drop from the previous 1,300-1,400 euros. The Fiom Cgil union is requesting an update to the company agreement to reflect current costs of living, with increased allowances for travel expenses.
The strike, which saw approximately 75% of daily employees and first shift workers participate, was also a response to the extensive use of furloughs at Bottero. This led to two weeks of closure in January, several days of stoppage, and a final week at the end of June. Many workers were sent home during furloughs, only to have to work double the next day to catch up.
The situation in the offices at Bottero, where employees have long complained about "disorganization, lack of staff, and increased workload," has finally been acknowledged by Bottero due to the strike.
In addition to the renewal of the company bonus and improved welfare, the Fiom Cgil union is also requesting "fair welfare generosity" as compensation for the effort put in over the 12 months, in addition to new pay scales.
The union and Bottero's management are set to meet on Thursday, July 10, to discuss these issues further. Another strike is scheduled to take place tonight from 9:30 PM at the Bottero plant.
As the situation unfolds, local news sources, official statements from Fiom Cgil, and press releases from Bottero are the best sources for the most accurate and timely updates on the strike and the union's demands.
- Despite the average payment of 440 euros, a significant drop from previous years, the Fiom Cgil union is requesting an update to the company agreement to reflect current costs of living and increased allowances for travel expenses, as they believe finance and manufacturing industries should provide fair welfare generosity.
- The Fiom Cgil union is not only seeking the renewal of the company bonus and improved welfare but also fair welfare generosity as compensation for the effort put in over the past 12 months, along with new pay scales, which are also topics of discussion in the upcoming meeting between the union and Bottero's management on July 10.
