Less than 11% of workers at the Maserati plant in Grugliasco, 209 out of a total 2,019, adhered to the strike called by FIOM which resulted in lost production of 11 vehicles.
Although relatively low in percentage terms, the strike by more than 200 workers is absolutely incomprehensible. Today’s strike, which was only partially adhered to, took place at one of the most modern auto assembly plants in the world, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology and produces luxury vehicles that are successfully sold in markets around the world. Fiat has invested around €1 billion to retool the plant for production of these new models.
At a time when unemployment in Italy has reached unprecedented levels, striking at a plant where jobs are being created and more than 90% of the vehicles are produced for the export market is absolutely irrational.
Even more difficult to understand is the fact that the strike is at a plant which, when Fiat bought it, had been closed for several years with no prospect of a return to production.
Fiat not only saved the jobs of more than 1,000 ex-Bertone workers, it also created an additional 1,300 positions enabling workers from the Mirafiori plant to return to work and it expects to create a further 500 positions beginning in September.
Clearly, when demand for a new model is strong the opportunity needs to be seized upon. Industrial actions like today’s, although participation was low, could have serious negative consequences for both the Company and workers.
