Mayors warn that shutdown of ex Ilva plants threatens workers and regional steel sector
The mayors of Genova and Novi announced that the ex Ilva steelworks will cease operations by mid-November, calling the closure unsustainable for employees and the local economy.
Acciaierie d'Italia S.p.A., currently in extraordinary administration, announced a general temporary suspension of the ex Ilva steel plants in Genova and Novi Ligure, citing a recent appellate court ruling concerning the Taranto factory. The announcement came via a joint statement from the mayors of the two cities, Silvia Salis and Rocchino Muliere, who described the shutdown as wholly unacceptable given the company's prolonged difficulties.
They warned that the closure would inflict severe hardship on employees, their households and the surrounding communities, as well as jeopardize Italy's entire steel production chain. The mayors expressed hope that negotiations scheduled in Rome with union representatives, government officials and other parties will produce a markedly improved outcome. Meanwhile, union leader Armando Palombo of the Fiom RSU in Genova indicated readiness to mobilise against the shutdown. The letter informing the mayors was also sent to regional presidents, prefectures and local police forces.
Why it matters
The plant closures could jeopardize thousands of jobs and disrupt Italy's steel supply chain.
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