The labor unions Fim-Cisl, Fiom-Cgil and Uilm-Uil have announced the continuation of negotiations for the renewal of the contract for the cooperative metalworking sector, which expired in June of last year. Following a meeting on March 31st, a disparity was noted regarding salary increases and the reduction of working hours.
The employer’s side has proposed a four-year contract with a minimum guaranteed increase of 2% of the contractual minimums for each year of the contract, an approximation of 175.00 euros on the C3 level, ex 5th level. Additionally, they propose introducing a cap on increases that go up to 4% of the Ipca-Nei minimum contractual increases. However, for any excess, a solution compatible with contractual and business costs must be agreed upon.
As for supplementary pension and health care, the unions propose a 2.3% increase in the company’s contribution without any distinctions, an integration of the current system through an LCT (Long Term Care) policy, and supporting the costs of maintaining the balance of supplementary health care by the company throughout the duration of the contract. This proposal would result in a total increase of 6.00 euros per month and 72.00 euros per year for the company. For flexible benefits, an increase has been proposed from 200.00 to 220.00 euros. Moreover, a potential increase in the economic value to 600.00 euros has been discussed, as well as possibly rewriting the rule that governs the institute’s disbursement.
However, the cooperatives have not agreed to reduce working hours, with the exception of the second business level. They have requested to consider more hours of reduction for those who work more than 15 shifts per week. No responses have been recorded with regards to legal issues such as: professional classification; professional training; work-life balance; participatory protocol; and health and safety.
The next meetings have been scheduled for April 17 and 28, and May 5. If the counterparts do not provide answers on salary and working hours, the unions will consider opening a mobilization phase.
