On the day in which Europe effectively announces duties on Chinese cars, Turin gathers in the square again to question the future of Mirafiori. Because to the metalworkers’ unions, gathered in Piazza Palazzo di Città for a demonstration with the emblematic title “8 hours of Turin pridethe relaunch of Turin starts from Mirafiori“, Stellantis’ announcements are not enough. The hybrid Fiat 500 which will be built right in Mirafiori (but not before a year) and to be honest, not even Stellantis itself is enough. Otherwise, in a few years, Mirafiori will close its doors.
The initiative, promoted by FIM-CISL, FIOM CGIL, UILM, Fismic Confsal, UGL and AQCF, started this morning and will continue until late afternoon, including debates, moments of discussion and round tables. But what is the beating heart of this event? Edi Lazzisecretary of FIOM from Turin, has clear ideas: “In continuity with the strike of April 12, today we have decided to focus on a 360-degree discussion and we ask for three things: new productionsthe design of cars from A to Z and the hiring of young people”.
The request of new productions It’s a hot topic. The 500 hybrid is a good result, but as Lazzi underlines, “we are faced with a different engine version of an already existing model”. Turin needs innovation, to design new cars from A to Z, to return to being a beacon in the automotive world. And it’s not just a question of pride, but of survival. “In 7-8 years Mirafiori risks dying out due to consumption”, warns Lazzi.
Another crucial point is the generational change. Luigi Paonegeneral secretary of UILM Turin, underlines the importance of guaranteeing a future for the 65 thousand Turin workers in the automotive industry. “In the near future it will be important to monitor the performance of the sector and, as regards Mirafioristart thinking about generational change that will become necessary.”
There ecological transition is another issue that cannot be ignored. “A small earthquake emerges from the result of the European elections, particularly in France and Germany”, observes Paone. This could represent an opportunity to make the effects of the pandemic more sustainable at an employment level ecological transition which concerns the automotive sector. But how will all this be translated into concrete actions? Local institutions, the government and Stellantis they must work together to find solutions that ensure a prosperous future for Turin and for its historic establishment.
Edi Lazzi issues a challenge: “We definitely want to keep it Stellantis but we also want a new manufacturer. It doesn’t matter where, it’s important to make world producers understand that if they come to Turin find fertile ground, the Turin pride of knowing how to make cars, of knowing how to do industry”. This is the bet of Turina city that does not want to give up and is ready to reinvent itself to remain a point of reference in theautomotive industry world.
Today’s demonstration is just one step in a long and complex journey. But it is an important step, which demonstrates Turin’s willingness not to give up and to fight for its future. Luigi Paone’s words are a warning: “Today’s initiative serves to ask for joint action between the government, local institutions and Stellantis to guarantee a future for the 65 thousand Turin workers in the automotive industry”. Turin has all it takes to win this match. But, as in every match, teamwork, determination and a winning strategy are needed. And, above all, it serves Turin pride, which has made this city a symbol of the global automotive industry.
