Hot start to the year on the front of union disputes in Sulcis Iglesiente. After the visit of the representatives of the national and regional government, last December 27, now the representatives of the workers of Portovesme srl are asking for clarity on the next steps and above all to keep the plants running. Even if the early stoppage of zinc production has left a bitter taste in the mouth of the approximately 900 direct and indirect workers, to which are added the other workers of the territory who, in some way, insist on the industrial fabric of Portovesme.
"Historical production as we have known it no longer exists," writes the RSU in a long note. "After the closure of the lead line in 2023, Glencore, breaking the commitment made to the trade unions and the territory, last September 5th also announced the shutdown of the zinc line. Yet, the commitment envisaged that they would continue with Zinc until the feasibility study for Lithium was defined . Production, in addition to the others, welcomed favorably as it is part of an eco-sustainable path, in light of the approval by Europe (and implementation by Italy of the Critical Raw Materials Act). An important issue but, by Glencore's own admission, not imminent given that approval on the feasibility of the project will not be given before January 2027."
"The extraordinary attention that the National and Regional Governments as well as all the Local Authorities are dedicating to the dispute, must urgently lead to concrete actions", the document continues. "Although there is still little progress, we believe that any consideration being made regarding a transition in the management of the plant must pass through the plants in operation". The RSU does not declare itself "prejudicially opposed to any path identified" and expects the government, after the declarations made in the plant, "to be consistent: we no longer have time for propaganda ".
Not far from the Glencore factory, another crisis situation is taking place . At Sider Alloys, where the restart of aluminum production with the revamping of the smelter and the electrolysis room has been long-awaited, the unions are reporting delays in salaries and the thirteenth month, and a workers' meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 7, when the gates reopen.
