Richard-Ginori, famous around the world for the production of porcelain, is one of the best known “Made in Italy” names. The firm’s production plant has been in Sesto Fiorentino, near Florence, since 1735. In August 2012, due to the firm’s critical economic condition, all 314 workers at the plant were laid off and on January 7th the Court of Florence declared the company bankrupt.
Manufacturing was closed down. Between January 7th and 15th the 314 workers occupied the plant for a week, in contravention of the Court’s decision. On January 15th, however, the Court declared the plant could be reopened for a provisional period and production, even if reduced, started once again.
This struggle has resonated throughout Italy but especially in Tuscany. On January 10th, the workers of Richard-Ginori and Sodexo’s precarious workers demonstrated together in front of the regional government buildings.
Giovanni Nencini, member and representative of the union COBAS, whilst welcoming the reopening of the plant, warns that turmoil has not ended. The 314 workers are demanding a radical intervention by the national and regional governments. They await a new agreement about the company’s future and their own future.
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