Ferrara developments: Benfenati: "Employees must be protected."
Mercatone's discussions with the National Secretariats of the Trade Unions continued on February 16, when the owners announced their decision to file for bankruptcy protection for the Tre Stelle, M-75, and M-73 companies. In the coming days, the Court will appoint the Commissioners who will now manage the proceedings and have full powers for the future of the companies.
The company, in compliance with the trade unions' request, has filed a petition with the Court requesting authorization to pay wages prior to the filing of the settlement agreement (January 19, 2015); a ruling is expected shortly.
To safeguard the continuation of operations, agreements have been reached with most suppliers to ensure the supply of goods needed to continue sales. To the same end, the unions have requested an increase in shareholder investment to ensure business continuity, despite the significant drop in sales recorded nationwide between January and February.
Ferrara is also paying the price for the company's decisions: the Tre Stelle employees who, under agreements prior to the bankruptcy, were seconded to Mercatone have been placed on temporary layoff since January 1st, pending the bankruptcy trustee's decisions.
The situation also appears critical for Mercatone employees at the three stores in the province: Ferrara, Mesola, and San Giuseppe di Comacchio. As Benfenati, provincial secretary of Fisascat Cisl, emphasizes, "it seems highly advisable to contact the trade unions: verify your salary and contribution situation and seek assistance regarding your debt within the bankruptcy proceedings for Tre Stelle employees. We also urge all Mercatone employees to report to the union any improper management practices regarding the application of the solidarity contract and certain contractual provisions (vacation, additional hours, etc.). The attempt to further burden workers with sacrifices and injustices is unacceptable, especially in this situation. A coordinated and centrally defined management system is essential, ensuring consistent conditions in terms of principles and rules of application."
