Italian Metalworkers Strike in Solidarity with Fired Colleague Over Disability Leave Dispute
A labor dispute in Milan has brought production to a halt at the Deloro microfusion as nearly 83% of the workforce walks off the job in protest of a colleague’s dismissal.
Milan, Italy – A wave of solidarity has swept through the Deloro microfusion in Fizzonasco, a metalworking company in the Milan hinterland, after the company terminated the employment of Fabio Orlando, a 48-year-old specialized worker. On Friday, July 25th, Orlando received a dismissal notice just hours after arriving for his regular shift, following a 25-year tenure with the company. In response, 160 out of 193 employees initiated a strike, establishing a permanent picket line and halting production.
A Family’s Struggle and a Disputed Leave
The dismissal stems from a complex situation involving Law 104 of 1992, an Italian law providing paid leave for employees to care for family members with disabilities. Orlando had been utilizing these permits since 2021 to assist his wife, who has been recognized as 75% disabled. In recent months, Orlando identified discrepancies in his leave documentation – attributed to a failure to update disability records – and proactively reported the issue to both the company and the INPS, Italy’s social security administration.
According to company statements, Deloro microfusion alleges that Orlando improperly utilized approximately 30 months of paid leave, constituting a “lesive conduct of good faith.” The company claims he benefited from rights to which he was not entitled, leading to the termination.
“I Was a Dad, as a Mother”
The situation has deeply impacted Orlando and his family. “I had to manage two children, a little one who ran away when he saw his mother feel bad. It was a very, very difficult situation to manage. I was a dad, as a mother, the cleaning, I cooked, administered them the drugs,” Orlando shared with Corriere di Milano. His words underscore the immense responsibility he carried while balancing work and family care.
Strike Demands and Company Stance
Workers are demanding the “withdrawal of the inhuman measure,” referring to Orlando’s dismissal. The strike, now ongoing, has effectively shut down production at the facility. Initial negotiations appeared promising, with “a glimmer” of potential resolution, according to Andrea Torti, a representative from the Fiom trade union. However, the company reportedly “took a step back,” maintaining its position.
A trade unionist explained that the company’s underlying goal is to “send a message to the workers: ‘They want to sanction the principle that those who make mistakes pay. Regardless of the context.’” This suggests a broader attempt to discourage employees from challenging company decisions or utilizing their legal rights.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight. The strike at Deloro microfusion highlights the ongoing tensions between worker rights, company policies, and the challenges faced by families navigating Italy’s social welfare system.
[Image of protest at Deloro microfusion – ANSA/Alessandro Di Marco]
