Microsoft Italy faces labor unrest over new job cuts

Trade unions Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl, and Uiltucs have declared a state of agitation at Microsoft Italy following the launch of a new collective dismissal procedure. The procedure, initiated on October 2, affects 62 employees out of 995 across the Milan and Rome offices, including one manager.

This marks the third such reduction by the company in Italy within three years. The layoffs are part of a broader international reorganization aimed at increasing efficiency through the centralization of activities and the concentration of specialist skills. This restructuring involves transferring certain functions from Italy to international hubs in countries including the United States, Ireland, India, Israel, Portugal, and Romania.

Unions have suspended overtime, additional work, and flexible working hours in protest. They have criticized the company’s proposed incentive plans and relocation paths as insufficient, arguing that economic conditions for departures are worse than in previous procedures. The unions are demanding that any staff departures remain strictly voluntary.