There is no time for greetings, nor for tears of help. At Palazzo Zanca, after the mayor Federico Basile resigned on Saturday 7 February in the hands of the general secretary Rossana Carrubba, the air became electric.
The FP CGIL, with a note signed by the manager Giuseppe Previti, makes no concessions, pointing the finger at the “chronic delays” of an administration that risks leaving employees stranded just as the ship is sinking.
The 20 day countdown
The union’s strategy is clear: take advantage of the 20-day window provided by law before the resignation becomes irrevocable. The recipient of the “message” is the general director Salvo Puccio. The CGIL reminds him not only of his role as president of the negotiating delegation, but also of the rumors of his possible candidacy for mayor in nearby Giardini-Naxos. Translated: before thinking about the political future, we must honor the debts with those who kept the business going.
The shopping list (backlog)
The requests are a list of promises that have so far remained on paper: economic progressions (PEO) with immediate publication of the 2024 ranking (and related payment within 10 days) and start of that for 2025; additional salary: payment by March of all allowances accrued in 2025 (hardship, risk, shifts and availability); productivity and careers: acceleration on Performance 2025 and completion of the vertical progressions envisaged in the three-year plan (PIAO).
The paradox of Smart Working
But it’s not just a question of money. The CGIL denounces a “huge slowdown” on the regulations for Agile Work and Prompt Availability. While even the Conference of Regions pushes for work-life conciliation, in Messina it seems that someone is pushing against it. Not to mention the High Qualifications (the former POs): never established at Palazzo Zanca, unlike what happened in the nearby Metropolitan City, leaving deserving employees without professional recognition.
The shadow of the Commissioner
The union’s fear is the “vacuum”. If Basile confirms his departure, the arrival of a regional commissioner could result in an accounting and administrative block. A paralysis that the workers of Palazzo Zanca, defined as “heavily penalized” despite the superficial praise of the councilors and the former mayor Cateno De Luca, are not willing to accept. The game is being played now: either the issues are resolved, or the post-Basile period will be a desert of rights for those who remain.