# Labor dispute and negotiations at Biancoforno facility > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/labor-dispute-at-biancoforno-facility > Updated: 2026-10-08T21:30:08.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 5. Labor tensions at the Biancoforno facility in Fornacette, Italy, escalated from accusations of union intimidation to active industrial action. In mid-September, the CGIL and FLAI CGIL unions condemned management for a “campaign of delegitimization, pressure, and personal attacks” against FLAI General Secretary Natasha Merola. On October 1, 2026, the conflict progressed to a strike and procession organized by Flai Cgil Pisa and Toscana, focusing on demands for dignity and the reinstatement of a dismissed long-term employee. By October 3, the FAI CISL union reported progress toward a preliminary bonus agreement, though negotiations remained ongoing. By October 7, the dispute involving over 200 employees centered on working conditions, the use of cooperatives, and contract outsourcing. A recent strike saw a low participation rate of 8.5%, with management noting that most workers at the gates distanced themselves from the demonstration. In response, Democratic Party deputy Emiliano Fossi submitted an inquiry to the Ministry of Labor, requesting that the National Labor Inspectorate verify compliance regarding working hours, contracts, and union prerogatives. Fossi called for a formal negotiation table involving the company, unions, the Tuscany Region, and local authorities. Biancoforno management has invited political institutions to an “open doors tour” to inspect the facility and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue facilitated by the Mayor of Calcinaia. On October 8, the FAI and FELSA CISL unions issued a statement emphasizing the need for “worker democracy” over political or personal disputes. The unions stated their goal is to ensure the conflict remains strictly industrial, allowing workers to express their own will directly rather than through political confrontation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Biancoforno labor unions call for worker democracy Labor unions FAI and FELSA CISL have called for worker democracy and the resolution of industrial disputes at Biancoforno, aiming to move past factionalism and political confrontations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biancoforno-labor-unions-call-for-worker-democracy ### 2026-10-07: Biancoforno plant faces labor disputes in Fornacette Labor tensions rise at the Biancoforno confectionery plant in Fornacette, Italy, amid disputes over working conditions and outsourcing, prompting calls for government-mediated negotiations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biancoforno-plant-faces-labor-disputes-in-fornacette ### 2026-10-03: Biancoforno reaches preliminary agreement on worker bonuses FAI CISL has reached a preliminary agreement with Biancoforno to provide workers with additional economic bonuses while continuing negotiations on internal regulatory matters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biancoforno-labor-union-reaches-preliminary-bonus-agreement ### 2026-10-02: Biancoforno workers hold strike in Fornacette over labor dispute Workers at Biancoforno in Fornacette held a strike on October 1 to demand the reinstatement of a dismissed employee, amid rising tensions between management and the Flai Cgil union. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biancoforno-workers-launch-strike-over-labor-disputes ### 2026-09-18: Biancoforno management accused of attacking union leader Unions CGIL and FLAI condemn Biancoforno management for allegedly targeting FLAI General Secretary Natasha Merola following a dispute over short-notice work scheduling via WhatsApp. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biancoforno-management-accused-of-attacking-union-leader --- Cite as: Labor dispute and negotiations at Biancoforno facility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/labor-dispute-at-biancoforno-facility