Belluno worker dismissed after 11 years for late return from leave

A 55-year-old worker in the province of Belluno, Italy, has been dismissed after 11 years of service following a six-day delay in returning from vacation. The worker, Liliana, reportedly requested the extension verbally from her department head to care for her mother, who is battling cancer in Romania.

The company cited the national metalworkers' contract, stating that the employee exceeded the four-day limit for unjustified absences. Despite attempts at mediation and offers to accept disciplinary fines, the company maintained the dismissal.

The Fiom Cgil union has condemned the decision as a disproportionate sanction, questioning whether the worker's history with the union influenced the outcome. Union representatives are calling for transparency regarding the verbal agreement made with the department head and arguing that the penalty failed to account for the significant family circumstances involved.