Electrolux faces major layoffs in Italy as labor disputes escalate

The Swedish multinational Electrolux is facing a major labor dispute in Italy following a restructuring plan that anticipates 1,450 job cuts nationwide. Specifically, the Porcia plant in Pordenone is at risk of losing 463 positions. In response, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region has allocated 8 million euros to support the local appliance supply chain, which involves over 1,200 companies and 12,500 employees.

Regional officials and labor unions have met to prepare for a decisive ministerial meeting scheduled for October 5 in Rome, organized by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Stakeholders are seeking credible industrial prospects to safeguard employment and production capacity. Discussions also include the possibility of selling Italian sites to the Chinese company Midea.

In a separate but related development, the Fiom union has accused Electrolux of unreliability regarding its Cerreto d'Esi plant. The union claims the company has already duplicated product codes in Poland, suggesting the Polish site is prepared to replace the Italian facility, which currently employs 170 workers.