4 March, 2014The 4th Fiat/Chrysler/CNH network meeting took place on 23 – 24 April at the International Training Centre of the ILO in Turin, Italy. More than 70 colleagues from 13 countries attended the meeting.
The discussion focused on the situation of one Fiat Group’s plants in Mexico, and Genaro Arteaga from Los Mineros presented an exhaustive report on the situation in Mexico.
An attempt from Los Mineros, an IndustriALL Global Union affiliate in Mexico, to unionize the plant was met by local management with the dismissal of four workers. However, through a combination of Los Mineros’ work and international solidarity the four dismissed colleagues have been reinstated and an agreement was signed with the local management
Providing support to Los Mineros’ activities is central to the network and a statement was drawn up, demanding the respect of the right to perform trade union activities, not only in Fiat plants, but also in any plant in Mexico.
The meeting also focussed on further strengthening mutual relationships, in particular at plants carrying same or similar products, as well as on development and distribution.
One of the main requests from the network is full recognition of the network by Fiat Management, in order to identify a contact person in the company to talk to on issues concerning the International strategy of the Group.
As the Fiat Group, unlike most car manufacturers, has not yet recognized the network organization a discussion on future developments, employment opportunities and investments with management was not possible.
The 4th network meeting outlined the clear intention to continue to strengthen collaboration and not to continue the mission to have the global Fiat/Chrysler/CNH network recognized by top management of the Fiat Group.
The next global network meeting will be held in 2015.