Collective Layoff Notices Issued for 2,500 Ex Ilva Supply Chain Workers

Aigi, the association representing supply chain and contracting companies for the ex Ilva steel plant in Taranto, has sent collective dismissal letters to trade unions affecting more than 2,500 workers. Nicola Convertino, the president of Aigi, described the move as an extreme and inevitable act resulting from the sudden deadline for the closure of the hot area by October. He stated that the situation is a consequence of a total lack of reasonable programming and the failure to concretely activate the construction of new decarbonization plants, which would have allowed for continuous employment.

Convertino characterized the event as an industrial, political, and human defeat, noting that one of Europe's largest steelworks is fading away through attrition rather than a planned industrial transition. The layoffs come as the industry faces a countdown of ninety days, without an operational reconversion plan or new factories already built to absorb the workforce.

Trade unions, including Fim-Cisl, Fiom-Cgil, Uilm, and Usb, have called for urgent meetings with employer organizations and the government. They seek to discuss the future of the workers ahead of a scheduled meeting at Palazzo Chigi on September 8 and a court hearing on September 9 regarding the suspension of the closure order. Some union representatives described the situation as a funeral for Taranto occurring while the government celebrates its own longevity.