The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturing Manufacture For Transport Equipment Manufacture Of Motor Vehicles, Trailers And Semi-Trailers 29.32 - Manufacture of other parts and accessories for motor vehicles
422 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
9 July 2021
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date
Description
The management GKN Driveline Firenze – the manufacturing site in Campi Bisenzio (province of Florence) belonging to the British multinational company GKN – announced the intention to close it’s the plant. The procedure for the collective dismissal of all the 422 employees working in the site has already started. The company stated that the decision to close is led by the crisis in the automotive sector and forecasts of decreasing sales in the Italian market.
Workers started protesting immediately after the announcement organising a permanent garrison on the company's premises. The protest raised significant solidarity from other workers and the public opinion, with also several artists mobilising in support with public initiatives.
Local and national institutions also intervened to influence the decision, with several meetings called by the Ministry of Labour. However, the company confirmed its intention to close the plant opening only to the possibility to find alternative solutions for the workers.
The decision came after the lifting of the ban on dismissals decided by the Draghi government. Therefore, the decision raised significant political debates.
Eurofound (2021), GKN, Closure in Italy, factsheet number 105155, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/105155.
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