Ugl union calls for structural reforms for Sicilian forest workers

Carmelo Giuffrida, the regional secretary of the Ugl union, has called for structural reforms to support forest workers in Sicily. Following an operational inspection in the Enna province, Giuffrida emphasized that wildfire prevention and hydrogeological risk mitigation require continuous, year-round land maintenance rather than seasonal emergency responses.

Giuffrida highlighted the increasing risk of desertification in Sicily due to changing climate patterns. He argued that forest workers are as essential as firefighters and require stability and younger personnel to perform effectively.

The union leader also addressed local governance, stating that many fires originate from unmanaged municipal lands or abandoned private property. He urged mayors to move beyond issuing mowing ordinances and instead enforce strict controls and sanctions to ensure effective land management.