Everything is in order with ARST salaries. Regional Transport Councillor Barbara Manca assured the news on Monday: two thousand employees had not received their salaries due to a mix-up related to the change of sole director, which resulted in Roberto Neroni's dismissal and the appointment—by decision of the Regional Council—of Giovanni Mocci. But the funds are still missing from the public transport company's employee accounts.
"It was predictable. This is no longer the time for press announcements or political reassurances: the superficiality with which the company's management change has been handled is creating serious problems for the families of workers, who are increasingly worried and furious." This was the harsh comment from the regional secretary of the FIT CISL, Alessandro Russu.
"Both the Region and ARST have underestimated the banking timeframes required when one administrator takes over from another: this, the company has stated, is the source of the further delays employees are experiencing. To avoid adding insult to injury," the union representative continues, " we have asked ARST to at least issue a solvency statement for each individual worker to guarantee the monthly payments that each family has. We are facing a shameful chapter in the company's history, but above all, an unacceptable lack of respect and attention from the regional administration towards workers who provide —even today, despite being unpaid—an essential public service on behalf of the Region."
"Enough with the political and media games involving workers' dignity." This is how Ivan Piras, regional councilor for Forza Italia, comments on the matter. "How can a regional government that sacrifices the rights of Arst workers in the name of a hasty changeover from one administrator to another be credible in one of the many ongoing disputes in Sardinia?" he asks, before adding: "The words of the councilor's press release, which states that the goal from the beginning was to protect workers' rights, sound like a mockery today . We urge the government to respect their legitimate discontent, to put aside press releases and focus on results."
Arnaldo Boeddu (Filt-CGIL) has a different opinion. Last week, in the midst of the emergency, he criticized the delays. Today he explains: "The matter has been resolved. Now we just need to get through the accreditation process. Some people will see it this evening." He adds: "There's no need for pointless controversy. What matters is that the new administrator explains the strategies for the next three years: the high standards and corporate efficiency that distinguish ARST thanks to the commitment of its workers must be guaranteed," he concludes. "This is what's important now."
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)
