Metalworkers stage demo in Rome as fear of layoffs grows
Max Civili
Press TV, Rome
As Italy's economy struggles due to the Covid-19 crisis, thousands of metalworkers staged a demo in Rome calling on the government to ensure their salaries are paid and layoffs banned in these testing times.
On Thursday, thousands of metalworkers from across Italy gathered in Rome's People's square to have their voices heard on the issues of layoffs and reduction in payments triggered by the coronavirus outbreak.
Following the lockdown imposed by the government on most of Italy's production and industrial activities between March 10 and May 4, over 70 percent of factories were forced to shut down.
A large number of entrepreneurs operating in the country have resorted to the Earnings Redundancy Fund, a system that covers the income of workers in cases of the suspension of production. Some multinationals have also threatened to lay off employees and cut their pay.
Although the situation has enormously improved compared to three months ago, Italy is the Western European country where the coronavirus pandemic spread first and where its tragic effects were being felt the most; 239,000 Covid-19 cases and about 34,600 deaths have been recorded so far.
In an attempt to mitigate the nefarious effects of the Covid-19 crisis, the Italian government introduced a support package for workers about a month ago. The package includes a ban on layoffs until mid-August. However, what will happen after that time is unknown.
The Italian government is considering slashing value-added tax to stimulate demand and revive consumption. However cuts to indirect taxes like VAT could cost as much as 10 billion euros and Rome is reportedly considering reducing the charge for a limited time.
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