by InTrieste
Hundreds of workers, and their supporters, gathered in Piazza Unità this afternoon to protest against plant’s closure that would lead to the loss of their livelihoods.
Finnish ship engine maker Wärtsilä announced last week plans to ramp down manufacturing in Trieste as it centralizes its European 4-stroke engine building business to Vaasa, Finland.
The closing of the plant could result in approximately 450 layoffs, Wärtsilä said.
“After working here for 20 years, I am suddenly being told I do not have a job. What is my future?” asked one of the workers.
“Our demand before the company and the government is that the plant should not be shut,” he added. “If the plant is going to be shut, our request to the government is that when any other plant comes up here, we should get priority for jobs there at the same wage.”
Wärtsilä said the closing of the plant will result in annual savings of 35 million euros by 2025. Discussions between Wärtsilä and employee representatives, as well as Italian authorities and institutions, will start in line with Italian law.
