Dedalus and Arianna

Last year, on July 1st, Cristina Filippelli was appointed deputy secretary of the select committee of the Legrand Group EWC, to which the Italian multinational corporation Bticino belongs. By virtue of this new role, she will be in regular contact with the management, which will imply wider access to information. «All this makes me extremely happy – says the newly-appointed secretary – living my role in the EWC more intensely will allow me to strengthen my relationships with the representatives of the various factories of the Group across Europe. This has a great value from many points of view: interpersonal, strategic, and union-wise.»

Besides taking part in official meetings, the so-called bureau could be summoned upon request of all EWC members in case of exceptional events. The occasion was not long in coming. Indeed, Legrand decided to close a plant in Kosice, Slovakia, without first consulting the EWC, thus breaching the agreement regulating its application.

«This had never happened before» says Filippelli. An off-key note that makes everyone snap to attention. But also an opportunity for an effective counterattack. On October 7th and 8th next, the select committee will meet the company at the Limoges Headquarters to discuss and specify the provisions of the agreement signed in 2013. That’s not all. «We entrusted a group of experts from Lyon, external to both the EWC and Legrand, with the task of drafting a detailed analysis of all the aspects related to the company operation and its decisions, including that of closing the Kosice plant. Their evaluation on the means and effects of this measure will be crucial.»

Also IndustriALL, the European association representing metalworkers, expressed support to the EWC. There is a growing buzz around the Kosice case, which also involves Italy with Fiom Cgil. Whatever the conclusions of the next meeting, the EWC will come out stronger from the point of view of its relations. «The experience you gain as a member of an EWC helps develop new visions. Working beyond national borders gives you open-mindedness and increases your analytical skills. Sometimes you understand that the problems of your country of origin are nothing compared to those of others. And then you feel less lonely. Less isolated from the rest of the world.»