Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
Novi Ligure workers strike over planned shutdown of ex-Ilva steelworks
Workers at the ex-Ilva steel plant in Novi Ligure, in northern Italy, joined a 24-hour strike against a planned shutdown.
The plant is part of Acciaierie d’Italia, a steel group under special administration since 2024.
The company announced that production at the hot area in Taranto would be suspended, affecting northern plants that rely on its steel supplies.
A general shutdown of ex-Ilva operations is expected by November 15.
About 120 to 125 of Novi Ligure’s roughly 540 employees are already on temporary layoff, and that could soon cover nearly all staff except some maintenance workers.
The unions say the government’s proposed support payments and plans for cleaner steel production do not provide a concrete plan to restart operations.
Workers and unions are also concerned about effects on transport, local businesses and suppliers, and about delays in receiving layoff payments.
The strike included a gathering at the plant gates, where unions planned to discuss talks with the government and consider whether to extend the protest.
Workers at the ex-Ilva steelworks in Novi Ligure joined a 24-hour national strike against a planned shutdown.
The plant’s production stop is expected by 15 November and could leave almost all of its roughly 540 employees on wage support.
The strike was called by the Fim, Fiom and Uilm unions amid a crisis affecting the Acciaierie d’Italia group.
The unions say there is no concrete industrial plan or guarantee that production will resume.
The shutdown could also affect suppliers, transport businesses and other commercial activity.
- Who
- Workers at the Novi Ligure ex-Ilva steelworks, with a strike called by Fim, Fiom and Uilm.
- What
- They joined a 24-hour strike against the planned shutdown of the steelworks.
- When
- 12 October 2026; the production stop is expected by 15 November.
- Where
- The plant in Novi Ligure, Italy, including a picket at its gates on strada Bosco Marengo.
- Why
- Workers and unions oppose the planned halt and say there is no concrete industrial plan or guarantee of resumed production.
Novi Ligure unions and workers
Acciaierie d’Italia commissioners and the government
Production
Novi Ligure unions and workers
The unions proposed buying steel from other producers so the Novi Ligure plant could continue processing it.
Acciaierie d’Italia commissioners and the government
The commissioners said there was no money for that proposal.
Future plans
Novi Ligure unions and workers
The unions say there is no concrete industrial plan or guarantee that production will resume.
Acciaierie d’Italia commissioners and the government
The government announced plans for social support and future steel production using less polluting technologies.
This is a struggle that will certainly not end on Monday.
What is worrying is the principle: the fact that they are not trying to offer solutions looking ahead, solutions based on production.
These people risk spending Christmas without money.
The Ferriera, Novi Ligure’s first steelworks, was established.
Ilva acquired the Ferriera.
Acciaierie d’Italia was placed under extraordinary commissioners.
The company announced the suspension of hot-area production in Taranto, and the government announced plans for a decree on social support.
Novi Ligure workers joined a 24-hour national strike, with a picket planned at the plant gates.
The general shutdown of the ex-Ilva is expected to take place.
- Novi Ligure plant workforce
- About 540 employees
- Workers already on wage support
- 120–125 each day
- Remaining raw material
- About 38,000 tonnes
- Planned production stop
- By 15 November
- Potentially affected across Piedmont
- More than 3,000 people
Sources
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