Life at the center of work. Now and forever
It is the third workplace death in the space of just two months. Today, in Brindisi, we witnessed yet another chapter of a massacre that continues despite countless complaints, strikes and referendum campaigns. Tonight another worker lost his life when his arm was cruelly severed by the machinery at the sugar factory. The accident adds to the painful list for 2024 which already includes Giuseppe Petraglia, who died after a 10 meter fall, and Gianfranco Conte, victim of a fatal crush less than two weeks apart from each other (it was last March). Three horrible and terrible workplace accidents due to their severity which cannot remain in the sphere of only that part of the community that has suffered this horrible loss.
In this moment of profound pain, our solidarity goes to the family members of the worker who tragically passed away today and to those of the recent and distant past. But solidarity is no longer enough.
Regardless of any responsibilities which are currently being investigated, these are not isolated incidents but episodes of an undeclared war against workers. In 2023, Puglia counted 27,580 workplace injuries, an average of 75 per day, with 78 lives lost, including those lost while commuting. The data for 2024 are even more alarming with an increase in injuries and already 7 deaths in the first two months, with the last one we are already at 8 deaths in 4 months. The average of two deaths per month. The absurd paradox is that it probably kills work more than the mafia.
Prevention is a necessity, not an optional. Investments in safety and training are essential, not only for the well-being of workers but also for the sustainability of companies. The laws exist, but without strict and constant application, they remain a dead letter.
The CGIL insists and will continue to fight: our commitment through the referendum campaign aims to make human lives central to the country’s productive fabric. We cannot and must not accept that work becomes synonymous with mortal risk.
We reaffirm our commitment to safety, a cause that will tolerate no further postponement. We join in mourning, but we strongly renew the call to action. The massacre must end now. Let’s wake up! «Let’s stop the slaughter in the workplace, putting life at the center of work. Now and forever”.
Antonio Macchia
General secretary
CGIL Brindisi
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