by InTrieste
In a scathing rebuke following Tuesday’s meeting in Rome at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Regional Labor Commissioner Alessia Rosolen expressed deep disappointment over the erratic behavior of Wärtsilä, a Finnish company seeking an agreement on solidarity contracts for its 300 workers. The company had requested additional funds from the Ministry just 10 days ago, despite being aware that an agreement would not be reached today.
Rosolen, visibly dismayed, stated, ‘I am astonished in light of the trust extended to Wärtsilä over the past year and a half. From the outset of the procedure, the company misled the Minister. Despite the rocky start and court judgments, we have consistently sought dialogue.’
Closing the evening, Rosolen expressed, ‘I am bitter because the last month has been a series of surreal developments. It should not be forgotten that on December 28, just 10 days ago, Wärtsilä sought additional funds from the Ministry. The company received a rebuke due to the flawed procedure initiated on July 14, 2022, and now believes it can calmly pursue such a serious procedure, perpetuating a conflictual phase that we have all tried to set aside.’
She continued, ‘As a region, we will do everything within our means to oppose Wartsila’s decision. With this farce, resembling a melodrama, the company has assumed a grave responsibility. We will now engage with the Government for a potential intervention under law 234. We are facing a phase that deserves no leniency.’
Concluding, Rosolen stated, ‘From now on, Wartsila bears the responsibility for reindustrialization and must respect all laws and procedure timelines. The Region will not abandon the workers of this company because, as we have asserted since day one, Wärtsilä is an important supply chain for the territory, both for direct employees and the broader national industry. Therefore, we will pursue all prerogatives with every action at our disposal.’
Commenting on Wartsila’s unilateral decision not to sign the agreement after extensive negotiations, Regional Commissioner for Productive Activities Sergio Emidio Bini said, ‘The irresponsible move by Wärtsilä surprises and leaves us dismayed. Despite the intense mediation efforts by the Government, Region, and Confindustria Alto Adriatico, Wärtsilä chose not to reach a common-sense solution, which would have been a long-awaited and significant outcome for the entire regional manufacturing sector. This decision is hardly understandable, jeopardizing relationships and casting uncertainty over the path to the site’s reindustrialization, a site the Region deems strategically important nationally. Wärtsilä must not evade its responsibilities, and the Region will continue to strive for the Bagnoli site’s reindustrialization.'”
