Stellantis workers in Southern Italy protesting unsanitary toilets, a lack of work gear and insufficient heating have slowed down manufacturing of Alfa Romeo Tonales and Fiat Panda models.
Some staff at the Pomigliano plant close to Naples stopped working for two hours Friday, their third day of protests, according to Simone Marinelli, who heads the Fiom union’s automotive arm.
“The plant is dirty and the toilets stink,” Marinelli said. “Work overalls are missing — some workers have to wait months to have the old and worn out ones replaced.”
Stellantis said it rejected accusations of a lack of attention to working conditions, according to an Italy-based spokesman. The company always acts within the framework of labor contracts and with respect for its employees, while also considering the competitive environment of the automotive industry, he said.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is known to leave no stone unturned to find cost savings with the strategy underpinning earnings rising to record levels.