Airpack Lombardia: 41 jobs at risk of dismissal

Context

In brief

• 41 workers at risk of dismissal
• Belgian owner Abriso insists on closure
• Decisive meeting on April 30 with the CEO

Key facts

• What: Closure of the Airpack plant
• When: Final deadline May 3, 2026
• Where: Ossago Lodigiano, Lombardy
• Who: Belgian owner Abriso, unions Filctem Cgil and Femca Cisl
• Amount: 41 workers involved

New stalemate in the Airpack dispute in Ossago Lodigiano. Despite the interest of new buyers, the Belgian owner Abriso does not yield on the closure: the final deadline for the 41 workers is May 3. The last meeting held yesterday at the Pirellone between the unions (Filctem Cgil and Femca Cisl) and the representatives of the multinational Abriso ended with a disheartening nothing done. The owner reiterated the intention to proceed with the closure of the plant, showing extreme rigidity: to date, the company refuses to resort to extraordinary wage guarantee fund, a tool that would allow freezing layoffs and evaluating the two expressions of interest already received from other entrepreneurs.

The unions' position

"The company has shown itself closed to all our proposals – explains Morwenna Di Benedetto (Cgil) – It does not evaluate the wage guarantee fund nor the time necessary to analyze the purchase offers for part of the production." Moreover, despite the unions' requests, at the table in Lombardy Region once again the CEO of the company did not show up, who sent only the plant director and their lawyer, fundamentally without real negotiating power.

The unions' requests and the uncertainty of May 3

The climate is one of extreme uncertainty. The collective dismissal procedure will expire on May 3: without an agreement or a suspension, the employees will face unemployment. The union secretaries, including Stefano Priori (Cisl), emphasize how the wage guarantee fund would serve to:

• Bridge the production site to the new management.
• Relieve the company of direct personnel costs during the sale negotiation.
• Provide economic breathing room for the 41 families involved.

The last hope

April 30, the last call: the CEO is expected at the table. All hopes are now placed on the meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30. For the first time, the participation of the CEO of Airpack, so far a great absentee in the institutional confrontation, is expected at the negotiating table. His presence is considered by the unions the last opportunity to unlock the negotiating mandate and move from words to deeds, avoiding the definitive closure of a historic site for the Lodigiano area.

Operational details

Implications for Workers

The current situation is critical for the 41 workers involved. Without the extraordinary wage guarantee scheme, employees find themselves in a position of extreme vulnerability. The closure of the plant would not only mean the loss of their jobs but also have a significant impact on their families and the local community.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this crisis, the Ossago Lodigiano plant was a cornerstone of the local economy. The company's production significantly contributed to the area's economy, offering stable and well-paid jobs. The closure of the plant would be a hard blow to the community, with possible repercussions on the economic and social fabric.

Possible Scenarios

If the Belgian owner Abriso insists on closure, the workers would face a period of unemployment. The Wage Compensation Scheme (CIG) would be a fundamental tool to mitigate the economic impact, allowing workers to have an income during the transition to new job opportunities. However, without the CIG, workers could face immediate economic difficulties.

The Importance of the CEO's Presence

The presence of the CEO at the negotiation table is considered crucial by the unions. His participation could represent the last opportunity to find an agreement that avoids the closure of the plant. The unions hope that the CEO can bring new perspectives and concrete solutions to save the jobs.

Comparisons with Similar Situations

In other similar situations, the extraordinary wage guarantee scheme has helped avoid mass layoffs and find alternative solutions for production continuity. The example of other companies that have used the CIG to transition workers to new management could be a model to follow in this case as well.

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Key points

What to do now

The affected workers must stay informed and actively participate in the negotiations. It is crucial that the unions continue to represent their interests and seek concrete solutions to avoid the closure of the plant.

Procedure to request CIG

If the CIG is approved, workers should follow the established procedures to access the benefits. This may include submitting specific documentation and attending meetings with union and company representatives.

Economic and psychological support

During this period of uncertainty, it is important that workers receive not only economic but also psychological support. Unions and local organizations might offer counseling and assistance services to help workers manage stress and anxiety related to the situation.

Useful tools

For further information and support, workers can use the salary calculator to evaluate their options and plan for the future. Additionally, they can consult the guides and resources available on the website to better understand their rights and the procedures to follow.

Conclusion

The current situation is complex and requires a joint effort from all parties involved. With the active participation of the workers, the support of the unions, and the willingness of the management, it is possible to find a solution that avoids the closure of the plant and ensures a secure future for the 41 workers involved.

Source: comozero.it