In Naples, Italy, last month, FEMCA-CISL, the ICEM-affiliated energy, chemicals, and textile-related industries union of the federation CISL, held its Third National Congress at the Tiberio Palace Hotel and Conference Center.

The Congress focused on measures to overcome the financial crisis and collective bargaining following the general framework agreement in Italy of 15 April 2009.

Sergio Gigli, who was re-elected General Secretary of FEMCA-CISL, stated in his Secretariat Report that it is a stressful time for trade unionism, considering protection of workers at this time of economic crisis, as well as work revisions and restructurings being carried out by many companies.

Sergio Gigli

But, he added, FEMCA-CISL, a consolidated federation that is united and strong, has been able to intervene successfully in several very difficult situations.
ICEM General Secretary Manfred Warda congratulated the union for successful renewal of the Global Framework Agreement with Eni, the Italian energy concern, and expressed his condolences to those members of FEMCA-CISL and all Italians who were affected by the March 2009 earthquake in central Italy.

Then, Warda wrote to ICEM’s affiliates in Italy: The ICEM expresses its “deep sorrow and our sincerest hopes that recovery and rebuilding will occur in the dignified manner in which the world has come to know the Italian people.” At last month’s Congress, Warda also called for international cooperation to combat the dire consequences of the global financial crisis, brought on by the failed policies of the neo-liberal era.

The ICEM congratulates Sergio Gigli on his re-election as General Secretary of FEMCA-CISL, and expresses its continued and strong readiness to work with the union on issues.