The Industry Federations of CSdL, CDLS and USL, together with the company’s Trade Union Structure, have confirmed that mobilization at Colombini S.p.A. will continue until talks resume on the renewal of the company’s supplementary contract. The position was reaffirmed during a press conference following the July 27 strike, which unions say saw broad participation from employees.
The unions recall that negotiations began in 2024 and claim that, after a verbal agreement was reached in December, the company changed its stance, putting forward a proposal deemed unacceptable and subsequently breaking off talks. They specifically object to a request for greater organizational flexibility, which would allow changes to working hours, shifts and workplace location with just five days’ notice, while tying the granting of certain economic benefits to acceptance of this condition.
According to the unions, such an arrangement would have serious consequences for work-life balance and would amount to a deterioration of existing conditions. They also point out that while workers helped the company overcome a period of difficulty in 2014, the group’s financial situation today is different—even though it did resort to a temporary layoff scheme (cassa integrazione) in 2025.
The company’s proposal was put to a referendum among employees, and, according to the unions, 75% of those who voted rejected it. As a result, the block on mandatory flexibility remains in place, and mobilization will continue until negotiations resume.
In their statement, CSdL, CDLS and USL called for dialogue to be reopened in order to reach “a balanced, dignified agreement that respects the daily contribution of all Colombini employees,” reiterating that “workers cannot be made to pay the price for greater flexibility.”
