Redundant Fiat workers to get 'globalisation fund' payments?

photo - Glowimages.com

The European Commission has proposed 1.2 million euro from the European Globalization Adjustment Fund (EGF) in assistance for 777 employees made redundant by Fiat Auto Poland

“The funding, as always, will facilitate these workers to find new jobs and get training. It is a very concrete expression of European solidarity through the Globalization Fund,” Commission spokesperson Mina Andreeva said in Brussels, on Tuesday.

Poland had petitioned the EC for financial assistance after more than 1000 workers were made redundant by the Italian car manufacturer and its local co-producers.

The personnel cuts especially affected the south western Silesian province, with the assistance scheme financed jointly with the help of EU funds.

The European Commission says that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund will also be helping thousands of redundant workers in the Fokas Department stores in Greece and Air France.

“Through this fund, we are accompanying workers who experience hardship in the difficult transition to new jobs and I have the intention to maximize its performance during the coming years,” Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility said.

The globalisation proposals by the commission will now be out before the European parliament and Council of Ministers. (ss/pg)