Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Saeco International Group (Saeco), an Italian manufacturer of manual, super-automatic and capsule espresso machines, is to dismiss 243 employees at its site in Gaggio Montano (Bologna). The group has been part of the the Netherlands-based electronics company Philips since July 2009, which has recently announced a plan aimed at revamping the Saeco brand and increasing the efficiency of the plant.
Unions reacted to the announcement with many days of strikes, blockades and organising a demonstration. Local shop owners also supported the demonstration by closing their shops in solidarity with workers.
A first bargaining table was called by local authorities on 2 December 2015 without an agreement being reached. Consequently, the Ministry of Economic Development summoned the parties to a national bargaining table with a view to finding alternatives to the dismissals, but the company has not changed their plans. The unions have announced that the strikes will continue unless the layoffs are withdrawn.
Update, 09/02/2016: The company has reached an agreement with the unions, which involves 193 incentivised voluntary dismissals, and outplacement services for redundant workers with the support of the Emilia Romagna Region. The agreement follows 71 days of strikes and blockages. The signatory unions are however not fully satisfied with the agreement, remarking that the management was not inclined to discuss alternatives to the job losses and the possibility to relaunch the plant. On 9 February, workers approved the agreement through a referendum.
Update, 10/04/2016: A number of 239 workers disclosed their intention to accept the incentives to voluntary dismissals, bringing the number of exits up again from the 193 previously agreed with the unions.
Eurofound (2015), Saeco International Group, Internal restructuring in Italy, factsheet number 86063, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/86063.
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