Amazon leaves Malpensa: the Cub denounces ten years of precarious work (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Amazon moves activities from Malpensa T2 to Brescia Montichiari.
• The closure will take place next Monday after ten years of presence.
• The Cub union denounces massive use of precarious contracts.
• About 200 Mle workers are involved in the relocation.

Key facts

• What: Transfer of Amazon's logistics activities.
• When: Next Monday.
• Where: Malpensa Airport, Terminal 2.
• Who: Mle and Cub Trasporti union.
• Amount: About 200 workers affected.

The activity related to Amazon flights at Malpensa Terminal 2 is coming to a definitive end, scheduled for next Monday, following the decision to transfer logistics operations to Brescia Montichiari Airport. This move marks the end of a decade-long period during which the multinational has been a key player at the Varese airport through the company Mle, which was responsible for operational activities. The handover between the two airports urgently reopens the debate on employment dynamics in the area, focusing attention on the stability of workers in the airport logistics sector, many of whom are employed through the partner company.

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Operational details

The analysis of the employment situation at Malpensa Terminal 2 reveals a complex picture, where the shift structure, closely linked to Amazon's flight scheduling, has imposed an extremely fragmented employment model. In addition to fixed-term contracts, Cub Trasporti reports the widespread use of various contractual types, including six-hour part-time contracts, on-call contracts, and apprenticeship placements. This mosaic of employment formulas has characterized the daily life of most workers employed by Mle. Out of a total workforce of over 750 employees, union data indicates the presence of over 200 precarious workers, with a significant concentration in the activities of Terminal 2, where approximately 180 workers are employed on fixed-term contracts out of a total of nearly 200 people.

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Key points

The dispute involving Mle workers has also reached the institutional table of the Lombardy Region. It is necessary to underline that, during the first meeting dedicated to the specific situation of Amazon, Cub Trasporti, together with other grassroots organizations, did not participate. Cub's assessment of the outcome of the confrontation between the confederate unions, Uil, and the company remains negative: the union maintains that no concrete commitment has emerged from the companies to ensure lasting stability for all workers involved. While the confederate organizations have expressed moderate optimism about the relocation opportunities offered by Mle, Cub insists on the need for a more active and decisive role from the institutions in the face of the decisions of multinationals. For workers who are in a phase of contractual transition, the recommended procedure involves constant monitoring of the agreements signed between the social parties and the company. It is essential to verify that each relocation proposal is put in writing and complies with the current regulations on contractual continuity. Anyone who finds themselves in a situation of uncertainty regarding their work future can refer to the union offices for support in verifying the contractual clauses. Attention must remain high not only on the maintenance of the job but also on the type of classification proposed, avoiding accepting worse conditions that do not take into account the seniority acquired. The Malpensa case highlights how the management of contract changes requires close scrutiny by worker representatives, especially in contexts with a high density of fixed-term contracts. Cub, in particular, continues to demand precise constraints so that reorganization does not become a pretext for further reductions in protections. Pending further developments on the organizational adjustments announced by Mle, workers are invited to maintain constant communication with their union representatives, ensuring they receive updated information directly from the company's or union's official channels. For those who may consider new opportunities or compare their paycheck in different contexts, it is recommended to use the calculator to monitor fiscal and salary variations.