January 6, 2013
by George Windau
While “CBS 60 Minutes” suggests that Sergio Merchionne of
FIAT was some kind of genius for saving Chrysler in the USA, in Italy workers
consider Marchonne a “union buster.” I say this based upon an interview with
Adriano Alessandria, a member of the Federation of Italian Metal and Office
Workers (FIOM). I conducted the interview with the help of Stella Pavnosetti,
in interpreter, on May 20, 2012 while I was at an autoworkers conference in
Munich, Germany.
Last Year Marchionne unilaterally revoked a Bargaining
Agreement with all three unions at FIAT in Italy. FIOM, Adriano’s union,
represented the majority of the workers. Marchionne said he had a “production
plan” to double output and ramp up profits, but he needed Italian workers to
agree to concessions, some of which included:
- Alternate Work Schedule, paying straight time for production on Saturdays and Sundays
- Workers on call two hours before their regular shift and be available two hours afterward whenever management dictates
- Sick pay sharply reduced
- Restrictions placed upon when union reps can conduct union business.
Clearly the plan was an ultimatum. Marchionne then proceeded
to have the company carry out and count the vote.
FIOM said “NO,” and demanded the pay raises that had been
negotiated in the revoked contract. But while FIOM conducted a short strike,
the other two unions, FIM and ULIM, caved in. FIOM said the vote was invalid
since it was not a contract vote conducted by the union and urged workers to
vote “NO.”
A massive media campaign was conducted, with all Italian
political leaders appearing on TV, urging FIAT workers to vote “YES” on the
production plan. Even the Roman Catholic Church urged workers to vote “YES.” In
one area, parish priests warned that FIAT workers voting “NO” would be
responsible for allowing an economic crisis that would allow the Mafia to
regain control of southern Italy.
Marchionne’s plan received a 60% YES vote, but because FIOM
openly opposed the plan, FIOM-represented workers were not allowed back in the
plants. In order to return to work they were forced to drop their FIOM
membership.
At a news conference, a reporter asked Marchionne if he
considered himself to be a “union buster.” He replied “no,” there were still
unions at FIAT—some of his workers simply and voluntarily changed their
affiliation. That’s a lie that Italian workers can see through. Too bad “CBS 60
Minutes” failed to mention this fact to U.S. viewers.
Despite the odds they face, FIOM continues to organize within
the FIAT plants.
