The dispute over the national contract for port workers heats up with the declaration of a 24-hour strike. The unions Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Uiltrasporti announced that the stoppage will occur with local nuances from April 3 to 5, 2024. In a statement, Filt explains that "despite numerous meetings already held and the recent declaration of a state of agitation in the sector, from the negotiation with the counterparts for the renewal of the national collective contract, which expired last December 31, we have not yet received adequate responses to the demands we have made with our claim platform."
The statement continues, specifying that "it is necessary to recover the purchasing power that has significantly reduced in the last two years and to recognize the correct adjustment for future inflation. Port workers were among the most penalized during the pandemic as they guaranteed the supply of goods to the entire country even when the rest of Italy was at a standstill. Therefore, it is necessary to renew the National Collective Labor Agreement (Ccnl) for port workers and, at the same time, defend its founding principles that have, so far, contributed to ensuring the unity and integrity of the entire port system."
Filt also addressed the serious work accident that occurred on March 23 in the garage of the ferry Gnv Antares. While loading and unloading operations of semi-trailers were taking place in the port of Naples, a port tractor hit and killed a seafarer from the ship. "It is no longer tolerable to speak of work accidents," writes the union. "Investments are needed for workers to guarantee their safety at work, which should not be seen as a cost, but as a resource. Yet, rules and rights continue to be erased, such as the cut in sickness benefits for maritime workers provided by last year's budget. Control and inspection bodies must be strengthened."
