Two billion euros of investments to change Versalis and a cut in terms of emissions of around 1 million tonnes of CO2, around 40% of those emitted in Italy. It might seem like good news coming from Eni, owner of the company, but, according to what Luca Fiorni of the provincial secretariat of Filctem Cgil tells us, “there is nothing good or beautiful for Ferrara in this plan”.
Returning from Rome where she met the leaders of Eni and Versalis, there is the secretary of Filctem Ida Salvago who, despite the reassurances received, seems worried. “They presented us with a plan – he says – which is not a plan but the presentation of what they would like to do”. Salvago therefore complains about vague and specific plans without going into specifics but which highlight a reduction in the basic chemical sector.
Although it envisages, Eni writes in the press release, “new industrial plants consistent with the energy transition and the decarbonisation of industrial sites, in the field of sustainable chemistry but also biorefining and energy storage”. It’s a shame that “to allow the construction of the new plants, the activities of the cracking plants in Brindisi and Priolo, and the polyethylene plant in Ragusa will cease”.
Among these there is not Ferrara but it is precisely from Priolo and Brindisi that supplies arrive for the Versalis al Petrochimico plant and not only that, those from Basell also arrive. In the first case, what will strike in the short term should be the difficulty that will be created for the supply of ethylene, while in the second it will be the monomers for the production of polypropylene.
“As usual – says Salvago – Eni says it is not firing people but is reducing its activities. One line in four at the Versalis plant in Ferrara is stopped, activities are reduced and will be even more reduced.” The workers “will not be fired” but “there will be a plan to accompany them into retirement” and this will have “consequences on the whole territory which is going through a difficult situation with Berco and Rexnord”.
Eni itself then writes that “it aims to drastically reduce Versalis’ exposure to basic chemicals, a sector which is in a structural and now irreversible crisis at a European level, and which has led to economic losses which, in cash terms, have come close to 7 billion euros in the last 15 years, of which 3 in the last five years”. However, they “reassured – says the Filctem secretary from Ferrara doing – that they will maintain the polyethylene plants, trying to move towards more sustainable production”. However, he finds it hard to believe it because in any case the reduction of the basic chemistry is there and it is structural.
“There is a profound crisis in basic, structural and irreversible chemistry” repeats Salvago, pointing out that he saw it written on every slide, “every time a new chapter began”. Difficulties due to the cost of energy increase significantly and to cheaper competition coming from other countries. To counter it and keep some lines of basic chemistry open, they would like to “open up the supply of raw materials to the free market”. However, this means “not having the same quality standard and therefore not producing the same product”.
Today Filctem meets the workers of the chemical companies of the Polo.
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Eni’s Investment Plan: Good News or Just Hot Air?
Ah, the elusive promise of progress wrapped in two billion euros and a heartfelt reduction of one million tonnes of CO2! It sounds like a Michelangelo painting of industrial transformation. But wait! Luca Fiorni from the provincial secretariat of Filctem Cgil is dropping a truth bomb: “there is nothing good or beautiful for Ferrara in this plan.” I mean, who needs beauty when you’ve got a solid dose of skepticism, right?
So, what’s really going on here? After a little chinwag in Rome with the Eni bigwigs, Filctem Secretary Ida Salvago returned, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed. She reveals that the plan presented was less like a strategic blueprint and more akin to an artist’s impression—great in theory, but missing a few chapters on execution. It’s like announcing a grand art installation but only showing up with a paintbrush and a bottle of water. One can only wonder if Eni’s idea of “new industrial plants” comes with fewer chemicals and more fairy dust.
At first glance, Eni’s initiative reeks of potential. They promise sustainable chemistry, biorefining, and energy storage. But here’s the kicker: while they’re gearing up to build shiny new facilities, they’re also shutting down cracking plants in Brindisi and Priolo. So, while they’re holding up the banner for sustainability, they’re trading in Ferrara’s industrial capacity quicker than you can say “environmentally friendly.” Talk about taking two steps forward and one step back—more like playing a weird game of industrial hopscotch!
You see, Ferrara won’t directly feel the pain from these closures, but it’s Priolo and Brindisi’s dwindling supplies that have us raising our eyebrows. Ethylene for the Versalis plant? Gone. Polypropylene production? Adjust your expectations because it’s going to be tougher to maintain that quality. And let’s be honest, no one wants a subpar polypropylene—it’s like ordering a gourmet burger and getting a sad, shriveled veggie patty instead!
Salvago’s on a roll, revealing that while Eni swears on a stack of manuals they aren’t firing people, they’re instead ushering them into early retirement. That’s like telling your mate, “Don’t worry, I’m not breaking up with you; I’m just transitioning you to long-distance.” In the midst of Ferrara’s economic chaos, where Berco and Rexnord are already sharpening their knives, it’s hard to take those reassurances to heart. It’s a worrying sign that the region’s industrial fabric might be unraveling faster than Eni can thread a needle.
Eni’s grand narrative is all about reducing exposure to basic chemicals as they undergo what they call “structural and irreversible” changes. If only they were as transparent about what “structural” means in real terms—not just a business buzzword. Is that just corporate speak for “Oops, we miscalculated and have lost billions over the last 15 years”? Because talk about a fiscal nightmare! Like investing in a sleek new treadmill only to discover it doubles as a glorified coat rack.
So, what’s the endgame? Filctem’s dreams of keeping some basic chemistry lines open hinge on a miracle—raw materials directly from the free market. Because nothing screams quality like an uncontrolled supply chain! “Good luck with that,” is what I’m thinking. It’s like returning your holiday gift to the store for a refund, only to be told you can exchange it for a mystery box with a 50% chance of a used sock.
As Filctem meets with the workers from various chemical companies in the Polo, you can almost hear the whispers of “What now?” as they brave yet another storm cloud looming over their industry. Everyone’s got a plan until the first raindrop hits.
This piece of news reminds us that while we’re all in favor of progress and greener futures, it’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned job security and community stability. So Eni, here’s a thought: when you decide to throw the big bucks around, maybe toss a few euro coins towards the people holding the proverbial umbrella, too.
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Eni, the parent company of Versalis, is set to invest a substantial sum of two billion euros into transforming the chemical giant, with an ambitious goal to cut approximately 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, which represents nearly 40% of Italy’s total emissions. While this may initially appear to be a positive development, Luca Fiorni from the provincial secretariat of Filctem Cgil remains skeptical, asserting, “there is nothing good or beautiful for Ferrara in this plan”.
Ida Salvago, the secretary of Filctem, recently returned from a meeting in Rome with Eni and Versalis leadership, and she expresses her concerns despite the reassurances she received. “They presented us with a plan –” she explains – “which is not a plan but merely an outline of what they aspire to achieve”. Salvago voices frustrations over the vagueness of the proposed initiatives, noting a lack of concrete details but an emphasis on the projected reductions within the basic chemical sector.
Eni claims in their press release that the investment outlines “new industrial plants aligned with energy transition and decarbonization efforts, focusing on sustainable chemistry, biorefining, and energy storage”. However, troublingly, “to facilitate the establishment of these new facilities, operations at the cracking plants in Brindisi and Priolo, as well as the polyethylene plant in Ragusa, will be terminated.”
While Ferrara is not directly impacted by these closures, it is crucial to note that supplies for the Versalis plant at Petrochimico predominantly come from Priolo and Brindisi, with additional materials sourced from Basell. In the short term, the cessation of operations in Priolo and Brindisi will lead to significant supply challenges, particularly with ethylene, while the shutdown will also create a scarcity of monomers crucial for polypropylene production.
Salvago remarks, “As usual – Eni asserts it is not laying off employees but merely scaling back operations. However, with one out of every four production lines at the Versalis plant in Ferrara halted, it is clear that activities are diminishing and will continue to decline.” While the workers “will not be fired,” plans are in motion to facilitate their retirement, which will undoubtedly have repercussions on an already struggling local economy, which is simultaneously facing difficulties with major employers like Berco and Rexnord.
Eni has explicitly stated its intention to significantly minimize Versalis’ reliance on basic chemicals, an industry facing a profound and irreversible crisis across Europe. This situation has culminated in staggering economic losses, approaching 7 billion euros over the last 15 years, with 3 billion incurred in just the past five years. The company has reassured stakeholders – says the Filctem secretary from Ferrara – that they will maintain the polyethylene facilities while striving to shift towards more sustainable production methods. Nevertheless, Salvago remains doubtful, citing an undeniable contraction within the basic chemistry sector that is structural in nature.
“There is a profound crisis in basic, structural and irreversible chemistry,” reminds Salvago, emphasizing that this message was clearly articulated on every presentation slide she viewed, “each time a new section commenced.” This turmoil is exacerbated by soaring energy costs and the competition from lower-priced international rivals. To combat these challenges and keep some basic chemistry lines operational, there are proposals to “reopen raw material sourcing to the free market.” However, this strategy raises concerns regarding quality standards, signaling that the output may not meet existing product benchmarks.
Today, Filctem is engaging with workers from the chemical companies located in the Polo to discuss these pressing issues and to explore viable paths forward.
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Interview with Ida Salvago, Secretary of Filctem Cgil
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ida. You recently returned from a meeting in Rome with leaders from Eni and Versalis regarding their new investment plan, which includes a substantial financial commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. What were your initial thoughts after the presentation?
Ida Salvago: Thank you for having me. My initial thoughts are quite skeptical. While they announced a two billion euro investment and the prospect of significantly lowering emissions—about one million tonnes—what they presented felt more like an outline of aspirations rather than a detailed strategic plan. There was a troubling lack of concrete specifics on how they intend to achieve these goals.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on why you feel this plan lacks substance?
Ida Salvago: Certainly. The proposal felt more like a sales pitch. They talked about aligning new facilities with energy transition and sustainable chemistry, which sounds promising. However, they confirmed the closure of key facilities in Brindisi and Priolo to make way for these new projects. This raises serious concerns, especially considering that the Versalis plant in Ferrara relies heavily on supplies from those plants. The resulting supply chain issues will undoubtedly affect our operations here.
Interviewer: It sounds like that could have significant implications for the workers in Ferrara. What is your perspective on the potential job impacts?
Ida Salvago: Eni has stated that they are not laying off workers but rather reducing activities. However, with one out of every four production lines at Versalis already stopped, this will inevitably lead to job losses, even if they are disguised as early retirements. The economic climate in our region is already precarious, with other employers like Berco and Rexnord also facing challenges. These changes will compound the difficulties for our local workforce.
Interviewer: Eni has acknowledged the structural crisis within the basic chemical sector. How do you see this evolving?
Ida Salvago: It’s important to recognize that the sector is facing an irreversible crisis, exacerbated by rising energy costs and increasing competition from abroad. Eni’s approach to opening up the raw materials supply to the free market could undermine product quality and ultimately harm our competitiveness. We need sustainable solutions that don’t merely pivot into cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.
Interviewer: What are the next steps for you and the Filctem union in light of these developments?
Ida Salvago: We are meeting with workers from various chemical companies to discuss their concerns and gather input on the situation. Our goal is to advocate for protection and support for our workers and to demand transparency from Eni regarding their plans. We need to ensure that any transition is just and that the voices of those impacted are heard.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ida. The complexities around this investment plan highlight the intricate balance between industrial development, sustainability, and job security. We appreciate your time today.
Ida Salvago: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue this dialogue and push for a future that serves both our industries and the communities they support.
Compromise product quality. This shift may lead to a further decline in our capabilities to produce competitively, thus impacting jobs and sustainability in the long term.
Interviewer: What steps do you believe the workers and labor unions can take in response to this situation?
Ida Salvago: The workers need to stay informed and engaged. We are organizing discussions with them today to ensure they understand the implications of these changes. We must also advocate for transparency from Eni and push for concrete commitments that protect jobs and maintain quality standards in production. Building solid solidarity at this time is crucial.
Interviewer: Given the context you’ve described, what’s your message to Eni and the local government?
Ida Salvago: My message is simple: while investments for sustainability are crucial, they cannot come at the expense of job security and the local economy. We need to work together to create a viable transition that supports workers and communities. That means clear plans, real commitments, and protections for those affected by the necessary shifts in industry.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ida, for sharing your insights and concerns. We appreciate your time and your commitment to the workers of Ferrara.
Ida Salvago: Thank you for having me. Together, we can navigate these challenging waters and strive for a balance between environmental responsibility and economic security.
