Three hundred social-health workers currently working in Naples are at risk of losing their jobs. The alarm was raised by the group of social enterprises Gesco, which employs approximately 1.500 people, of which almost 800 work at the ASL Napoli 1. The critical situation was made public during a press conference, where the group's top management expressed their concern for the future of the staff and of the company itself.
“At the moment, the cut involves a reduction of 300 staff units, but this situation puts the very future of the group at risk,” Gesco executives said. The problem is linked to the early termination of a contract, originally valid until December 31, 2025, which provided for the management of essential services such as mental health, assistance for the elderly, disabled and people with addictions.
Gesco has been operating in these sectors for over 30 years and the services provided included Assisted Living Facilities (RSA), Residential Intermediate Structures (SIR), Health Residences for People with Disabilities (RSH), as well as integrated home care services and day centres for people with addiction, alcohol and gambling problems. “The decision by ASL Napoli 1 to terminate the contract more than 15 months in advance is reckless and puts at risk not only the jobs, but also the stability of the group itself,” said the president of Gesco, Giacomo Smarrazzo.
During the conference, the former president of Gesco, Sergio D'Angelo, stressed the importance of defending these services: "What we have built in these years is a heritage of the entire community. Our reaction will be energetic because it is not only a question of defending the work of hundreds of people, but of protecting an indispensable service for the city."
Actor Gianfranco Gallo also attended the press conference and expressed his regret for the situation: "Unfortunately this city has become a bit deaf and blind. I am interested in entertainment, but I try to combine theater and music with social issues and I realize that there are invisible realities, on which we close our eyes."
Article published on 25 September 2024 - 12:53
