Electrolux Earthquake: Stop to Production Lines and Major Layoffs in Italian Factories

The Swedish multinational Electrolux has informed the unions of a broad plan for the reorganization of its Italian activities, which could lead to about 1,700 layoffs out of a national workforce ranging from 4,000 to 4,500 employees. This intervention is part of the group's global strategy aimed at reducing costs and streamlining the industrial organization, with a significant impact on the factories located in Italy.

The communication took place during a meeting of the National Coordination held in Venice. According to reports from the unions Fim, Fiom, and Uilm, the plan would also involve a substantial reduction in domestic production, up to a halving of current volumes.

Among the most significant measures is the closure of the Cerreto d'Esi plant, located in the province of Ancona, where about 170 people are employed. However, the layoffs would affect all of the group's production sites in Italy, including the plants in Porcia, Susegana, Forlì, and Solaro, although the final numbers for each site have not yet been officially confirmed.

According to union reconstructions, the plan would also involve about 200 workers on fixed-term contracts. In Porcia, the production of washer-dryers is expected to cease, while the Forlì plant would stop the production of cooktops, a segment that accounts for about one-third of the industrial activity at the Romagna site.

Issues also arise in Susegana, where the third line of the "Genesi" series, dedicated to the production of mid-to-high-end refrigerators, has reportedly never started operations. In this case, about 150 jobs linked to the project would be at risk. The production of dishwashers at the Solaro plant would also face competitiveness issues.

The company has also expressed its intention to quickly complete the reorganization, aiming to wrap up the operation by the end of the year. The decision immediately provoked a response from the unions, which declared a state of permanent agitation and announced eight hours of national strikes to be organized at the various group factories.

Fim, Fiom, and Uilm describe the plan as "unacceptable" and demand direct government intervention. The unions are urging the opening of a discussion table with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to discuss the productive and employment future of the Italian factories. In a statement, the ministry led by Adolfo Urso confirmed that it is monitoring the situation and wants to maintain constant dialogue with the company and unions.

The General Secretary of UIL, Pierpaolo Bombardieri, also intervened on the matter, expressing strong concern over an industrial plan primarily based on job cuts. Bombardieri has also asked the President of the Marche Region, Francesco Acquaroli, to convene an urgent meeting with the government and social parties to protect employment levels and limit the industrial downsizing of the group in the country.