Beko labor dispute at Melano plant

Workers at the Beko Melano plant in Fabriano, Italy, initiated industrial action following a sharp decline in production volumes. In late August, RSU unions, including Fim, Fiom, and Uilm, announced a strike and state of agitation, citing a “dramatic” situation. Union representatives expressed concerns that production, specifically induction cooktops, might be being offshored to Turkey or China. Beko denied these claims, attributing the decline to a lack of orders and European market difficulties.

By September 8, workers launched a strike to protest the failure to fulfill previous agreements. Protesters and local officials demanded that the company honor April 2025 agreements signed at the Ministry of Enterprises, Italy and Development (MIMIT). Demonstrators alleged that promised investments of 62 million euros had not materialized, resulting in production contraction, layoffs, and wage cuts for employees on redundancy schemes. The protests drew support from Fabriano Mayor Daniela Ghergo and PD Secretary Elly Schlein, with Schlein accusing the corporation of failing to meet commitments after receiving public support.