Article 177 of the Italian ‘Public Procurement Code’ obliges companies that have received the right to operate services to outsource 80% of all activities covered by the concession, even in cases where activities are carried out directly by the companies’ own personnel. Doing this will deconstruct an essential and fundamental service for the entire country.

The outsourcing process would have high economic and social costs, putting at risk approximately 145,000 quality and highly skilled jobs.

Coming at a time when the European electricity and gas sectors are confronted with unprecedented challenges posed by the disastrous health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the twin energy and digital transition, the Italian government’s plan to implement Article 177 in its current form is incomprehensible to the Italian and European workers. It goes against the principles of a Just Transition that the European Union has written in the heart of its Green Deal agenda.

IndustriAll Europe has expressed full solidarity and supports the demands of its Italian affiliates.

Judith Kirton-Darling, Deputy General Secretary, stated:

“IndustriAll Europe and its affiliates call on the Italian government and Parliament to enter into a constructive social dialogue with the trade unions and revise Article 177 in order to safeguard the qualified and secure jobs at stake by the restructuring process. The Italian government has the responsibility to ensure that no worker is left behind!”