Naples – The kitchen at a military airport isn't just about providing meals, but a vital component of territorial security. This was the concept that emerged forcefully during the meeting convened at the Palazzo di Governo by the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, to address the unrest among employees of Compass Group SpA, the company that manages the catering contract at the "Ugo Niutta" Airport Command in Capodichino.
The issue of national security
At the meeting, which included the Airport Commander, Colonel Massimo Maieron, company executives, and the trade unions Fisascat Cisl, Uiltucs, and Ugl, one top priority emerged: operational continuity.
Colonel Maieron reiterated that the canteen service must be classified as an essential public service. Without the logistical support of the canteen, vital activities such as the "Safe Roads" operation and the emergency helicopter service, which provides life-saving interventions 24/7 from the "Niutta" station, would risk being halted.
The mediation of the Prefecture
To prevent future strikes from paralyzing the military base, the Prefecture has officially invited the parties to sign an internal agreement to comply with minimum performance standards. The goal is to create a regulatory framework that will protect the Command's functionality, regardless of the outcome of the labor dispute.
Work and dignity: the economic question
But safety isn't the only issue at the center of the debate. The heart of the protests concerns workers' economic conditions. Unions have raised strong criticisms of the management of wages and workloads, which they consider inappropriate for the responsibilities required in such a delicate context.
The Prefect of Bari acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for a thorough inspection and negotiation to verify the appropriateness of the employees' remuneration. The meeting was therefore not a final outcome, but rather the beginning of a monitoring process that will see the parties reconvene shortly.
The current state of unrest remains, but the opening of a direct dialogue channel at the Prefecture marks a step forward toward a solution that reconciles workers' rights with the imperatives of defense and public welfare.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The canteen service is important for safety, but employee working conditions need improvement. Wages are inadequate and the workload is excessive, which creates problems.