Naples, OSS protest: “Cooperation, a story that doesn’t want to end”

The protest of the social-health workers (OSS) of the Gesco consortium continues without stopping, having once again taken to the streets to defend their work and denounce the consequences of the early termination of the contract with the ASL Napoli 1 Center.

Between banners with the writing “Cooperation, a story that doesn’t want to end”, the operators reiterated their appeal, emphasizing the social value of a job that has its roots in the Neapolitan tradition of solidarity and help for the most vulnerable. The protest took shape following the decision of ASL Napoli 1 Centro to terminate early the contract with the group of social cooperatives, led by Gesco, which managed vital psychosocial services for the elderly, disabled, people with addictions, Alzheimer's patients and those suffering from mental illness. The result was the dismissal of approximately 300 operators, who had been working in hospitals, day centers and residential facilities for over thirty years, offering assistance to the weakest categories of society.

Supporting the protesters was the writer Maurizio de Giovanni, known for his civil commitment: “You don't touch the work, and especially that of social workers. Those who love Napoli must love and defend the work of these people. I will do everything I can to stand by them until the institutions find a solution or allow them to continue working."

The demonstration also saw the participation of some social service users, who wanted to express their support for the operators on whom they depend for daily assistance and care. In a symbolic act of unity and resistance, the workers closed the day with a ring-a-ring dance, singing a song composed to claim their right to work and the importance of the role they play in the community.