Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Defence, quoted by the Ansa news agency, said:Italy are to provide an anti-aircraft defense system Ukrainebut the Italian company that is supposed to assemble it was closed in August due to holidays, it does not work on Saturday, Sunday and in the evening.”
Ansa notes that these words were aimed at the weapons production system, which is not adapted to war times. As Minister Crosetto added, “it must be changed quickly, Europe has also understood this.”
The agency also recalls the previous words of the head of the ministry: “I am arguing with Italian companies”. It then emphasizes that his latest statement on holidays and work mode caused a reaction from trade unionists.
Italy. Massive delays, it's about weapons production
One of the factories involved in the production of the SAMP-T missile system is located in the Naples region. The local trade union, belonging to the CISL headquarters, stated: “It is not true that the company does not work on Saturdays and that it was closed for the whole of August.” The unionists assured that production has been launched in three shifts and that a three-shift operation is already planned. increase in the number of employees.
– The problem is that a fourfold increase in production cannot be achieved in a few weeks – explained the head of the union, Fabio Bernardini. He recalled that the factory also has signed contracts with other countries. Ansa noted that according to both sides, the unionists and the minister, the problem is structural.
Guido Crosetto explained this by saying: “Russian, Chinese and Iranian factories they work seven days a week365 days a year, 24 hours a day. I exaggerate, but we are the opposite of these systems. Putin decides that a car factory should produce weapons from the next day.”
Italy. Minister vs. Trade Unionists. It was about the arms industry
“We,” the minister admitted, “cannot even make changes to a plant that produces weapons to make them do it faster.” “European ministers have accepted that this needs to be changed and I hope we will do it as soon as possible, because what is lacking the most is time,” Crosetto said.
Trade unionists from the arms industry they believe that the government must speed up the procedures for issuing consent for investments in this sector. This matter, as they recalled, is stuck in the Council of Ministers.
Guido Crosetto is one of the leaders the Brothers of Italy party. It is headed by Georgia Meloni. Following the victory of right-wing and centre-right forces in the 2022 parliamentary elections, he became Italy's Minister of Defence.