5th December: strike in Italian ports
The Italian port authorities announced a nationwide, 24-hour strike for the 5th December. The reason for the protest is related to cost-reduction decision with the Government not to grant any wage increase for the port workers, although it is provided for them by the collective agreement, and even the possibility to return the already paid surcharges.
Particularly critical provided comments by the head of the Port Association, Luigi Merlo. This pointed out that over the past twelve years, the Italian ports could develop well - not least thanks to the social peace. This will, however, now put at risk. The danger he sees is that a lengthy confrontation would have a negative impact on the whole Italian economy.