Two thousand ARST employees are without pay because no one is available to approve payments. Former sole director Roberto Neroni, who was fired a few days ago, before his term expired, with a resolution brought before the council by president Alessandra Todde, is not doing so. Nor can his successor, appointed by the same resolution, accountant Giovanni Mocci, who has not yet taken up his duties. It seems the board of auditors may intervene, but so far no move has been made. Left in limbo, bearing the brunt—and unable to pay for their expenses unless they've saved—are the workers of the Sardinian transport company controlled by the Region. Behind the scenes, there are behind-the-scenes accounts, exchanges of letters, and documents that paint a picture that looks very much like a mess.
The resolutions
It all began on July 4th, with a council meeting. President Todde brought to the councilors' attention a resolution that wasn't on the agenda: the appointment of Mocci to replace Neroni. The document justified the dismissal of the longtime regional director by invoking Article 19 of the ARST bylaws, which provides for the removal of the administrator for just cause. Throughout the document, there are no references to specific incidents, but it does address the need to revitalize the company, to be met with a single management structure for the coming years. In short, Neroni, whose term would have expired in several months, must give way to the newcomer. Verbally, in the corridors of the council, it was "revealed" that there were unspecified needs related to alleged judicial turmoil looming (of which there is currently no sign). The allies approved the resolution.
The exchange
Mocci, however, can't sign the contract right away: various departments—Transport first and foremost—need to verify that there are no incompatibilities and that everything is in order. But in the meantime, the paychecks are ready; someone needs to approve the transfers. Who?
On July 8th, the ARST board of auditors—led by Andrea Drago —wrote a letter to the company's top management: it maintained that it was "necessary to promptly convene a shareholders' meeting" to decide on the appointment of the sole director, grant him powers, and establish his compensation. The meeting, according to the board, must be called by Neroni. He received another reminder. This time, the letter was signed by Luca Caschili, Alessandra Todde 's powerful chief of staff and one of Mocci's main political supporters. On July 9th, he sent a certified email to Neroni, still listing him as sole director on the letterhead. He urged him to "scrupulously comply with the instructions of the Board of Auditors" the previous day.
Nero's reply
After reading the document, Neroni remains unperturbed. He also turns on his computer and responds. He says, in summary: the act of revocation of my appointment, according to the civil code, is effective immediately, therefore I am no longer a director (reserving the right to challenge the resolution) and, furthermore, you have decided to "dismiss" me for just cause, therefore the prorogation regime is excluded. "The undersigned," Neroni points out, "has ceased from office since the resolution was communicated" on July 4th. The regional manager (retired) adds: "The immediate termination of office does not pose any operational problems for the company, given the vicarious role recognized by law to the board of auditors." This same body orders him to convene the meeting that must approve the appointment of his successor.
The rest is recent news: unpaid wages, a formal notice signed by all the transport unions, and the threat of a strike at Sardinia's largest public joint-stock company.
