Genoa Steelworkers Strike Paralyzes City, Threatens Industrial Future
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A general strike looms on November 28th as metalworkers in Genoa continue a sustained mobilization against potential closures of the former Ilva steel plant, bringing traffic to a standstill and prompting urgent talks with government officials. The indefinite blockade,now entering its second day on Thursday,November 20th,has extended to Ilva sites in Novi Ligure and Taranto,signaling a widespread labor dispute with notable economic implications.
Workers Demand Action, Cite Government “Shameful Closure Plan”
o Chigi has disputed the layoff figures, the threat of closure for the historic Genoese factory remains a central concern.
“The first day of struggle to defend our factory against the government’s shameful closure plan has ended,” a statement from the RSU of Adi and Ilva read. “this struggle involved hundreds of workers, and we extend our gratitude to the citizens of Cornigliano and organizations like Sole Luna, Music For Peace, and Croce bianca di Cornigliano for their invaluable support.” The mobilization is framed as a fight to protect not only jobs but also the livelihoods of 1,200 families and the industrial future of the city.
Traffic Chaos Grips Genoa as Protests Intensify
The ongoing demonstrations have caused significant disruption to traffic flow throughout Genoa. As of Thursday morning, key areas in the Cornigliano district – including Piazza Savio, the Albareto roundabout, Strada Guido Rossa, and via Cornigliano – remain closed in both directions. Beyond these fixed blockades, traffic is reported to be at a standstill in several neighborhoods, with significant queues forming on all major motorways serving the genoa hub.
Here’s a breakdown of the traffic situation as of 9:30 AM on thursday, November 20th:
- A7: An 8km queue between busalla and Genoa.
- A12: A 5km queue between Nervi and Genoa Ovest.
- A10: Over 11km of queue towards Genoa.
- A26: A 1km queue between Masone and the A10 connection, also towards Genoa.
Earlier in the morning, a broken-down motorbike briefly exacerbated congestion on the elevated road, but was quickly removed. Motorists traveling to Milan or Livorno are advised to take the A26 Genoa-Gravellona Toce as an choice route.
Political Leaders Respond to Growing Crisis
A meeting has been scheduled in the prefecture this afternoon to facilitate discussions between government officials, company representatives, and union leaders. Liguria Region President Marco Bucci expressed cautious optimism,stating,”We’ll see what comes of it,I hope there is good news,” following a conference at the San Martino hospital in genoa.
Genoa Mayor Silvia Salis has publicly voiced her solidarity with the striking workers, emphasizing the importance of protecting local jobs. “I am at your side,your fight is sacrosanct,” Salis stated during a meeting with the workers on Wednesday evening. She criticized the lack of investment from the government despite her support for the “electric oven” project, questioning the future of the area without concrete industrial plans. Salis has also written to the Minister of Economic Growth, Adolfo Urso, requesting urgent clarification on the government’s intentions.
President Bucci echoed Salis’s concerns, affirming the region’s commitment to finding a solution. “Liguria is close to the workers,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining steel production in the region due to the high quality of the locally produced tin. Bucci indicated that the government is exploring both a complete sale of the company and a potential separate sale of its various parts,committing to work towards both possibilities.
The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the prefecture meeting poised to significantly impact the future of the Ilva plant and the livelihoods of thousands of workers in Genoa and beyond.
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