IMS, the protest continues … with pasta, beans and solidarity

The protest is going on … with pasta, beans and solidarity. The IMS employees have obtained a part of what they wanted, like their salaries for September, and for about half of the employees to go back to work for a fixed period of time. But this is not enough. The protest outside the company, in the marquee provided by the Italian Alpine corps, is going on day and night, with great attention from the community of Caronno Pertusella. On Sunday afternoon, a lunch of pasta and beans was prepared, by a 96-year-old lady and her 76-year-old daughter, for about forty people, workers and family members. The two ladies prepared the lunch for all present, providing them with a moment to celebrate during this action by the workers.

However, the two ladies are not the only people to show their support of the employees’ protests. The workers themselves have talked about, and have publicly thanked those who are supporting them, like Santina, who, on Saturday evening, brought the shopping, and who often cooks large dishes of baked pasta for those on the night shift (because there is always someone there, even at night-time).

Then, in the morning, La Rosa Bar in Caronno Petrusella brings the workers cappuccinos and croissants. Over the past few days, thanks have also gone to the support shown by the workers at the nearby Riva steel factory, who collected about €300 for shopping.

Now, although about 60 workers have gone back to work temporarily, hopes are high. After the open council meeting last Thursday, where the town councillors undertook to act as intermediary between the Province and Region, attention focused on the meeting between the unions and the company, which is scheduled for 4 November. During this meeting, the name might emerge of a company that is interested in taking over some part of IMS, which will reduce the number of the employees who will soon be without a salary. As the unions have explained, a good relocation policy is needed for the other employees.