Beach workers strike, umbrellas closed for two hours
This morning, from 7 to 30, many beach establishments along the Italian coast took part in a symbolic strike by closing their umbrellas for two hours.
Beach workers' strike, umbrellas closed for two hours.
This morning, from 7 to 30, many beach establishments along the Italian coast took part in a symbolic strike by closing their umbrellas for two hours. This demonstration, promoted mainly by Sib-Confcommercio and Fiba-Confesercenti, is part of a national protest aimed at urging the government to clarify the future of beach concessions, which expire at the end of the year. The main concern of the operators is the lack of clear legislation that defines what will happen after the concessions expire, fueling uncertainty and fears for the future of their activities.
Participation in the strike varied depending on the region, with very high levels of participation in some areas and lower participation in others. In Liguria, for example, participation was particularly high, reaching peaks of 100% in some locations.. According to Enrico Schiappapietra, representative of the beach operators of Savona, the strike was a “resounding success” and he underlined the solidarity shown by the regular customers of the establishments, who were also worried about the possible consequences of a radical change in the rules of the concessions. To make the strike less impactful, many Ligurian establishments have opted for a "gentle" approach, offering breakfasts, reception and explanations to customers, in order to convey a protest message without causing significant disruption.
The protest also had a strong following in Sardinia, with establishments closed on various beaches across the island, from Poetto in Cagliari to Alghero, Villasimius and Orosei. The closure of beach umbrellas was also clearly visible along the Roman coast, where almost all the beach resorts joined the initiative. In Ostia, the concessionaire of the Belsito plant, as well as the person in charge of Fibe-Confcommercio in Rome, Moscara Edoardo, explained that the protest was born from the uncertainty about the future of the concessions, underlining that the sector has been waiting for clear answers from the government for years.
In the Marche region, approximately 50% of beach operators have joined the strike, closing the umbrellas until 9:30. In Civitanova Marche, Marco Scarpetta, vice-president of the local seaside resort association, reported that the government had expressed its intention to address the issue of concessions as early as the beginning of September, which is why the further two days of mobilization scheduled for 19 and 29 August were suspended.
In Versilia, participation was lower, with only one in four factories participating in the strike. However, a total lockout occurred in Lido di Camaiore, with all establishments closed until 9 am, while in other places in Versilia, such as Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta and Viareggio, participation was more limited. In Viareggio, despite initial expectations, around twenty establishments decided to join the protest, still allowing early-rising customers to open the umbrellas independently, ensuring the assistance of lifeguards.
In Sicily, the strike was more fragmented, with a “leopard-spot” participation. Umbrellas were open in some areas of the Palermo area, Giardini Naxos and Taormina, while in other areas, such as the Plaia di Catania, Agrigento and Mazara del Vallo, the protest was more visible with closed establishments. In Calabria, however, the protest had a minimal impact, with very few factories participating in the strike.. In some areas, such as the Costa degli Dei, which extends from Pizzo to Nicotera, many factory owners were not even aware of the mobilization.
Despite significant support in some regions, the strike also met with criticism.
Il Codacons called the protest a "flop", claiming that participation was lower than expected and that the initiative had divided trade organisations, with some preferring not to participate. Furthermore, Codacons criticized the timing of the strike, which took place at the height of the summer season, causing potential inconvenience to tourists. The association also highlighted how, in recent years, prices for beach services have increased significantly, making the sector a very profitable business, with a turnover estimated at around 10 billion euros per year.
Despite the divisions within the industry, the strike nonetheless achieved the objective of drawing attention to the issue of state concessions, a topic that remains crucial for the future of Italian seaside businesses. Operators in the sector ask the government to intervene with clear and definitive legislation, which can guarantee certainty and continuity for their activities, avoiding the risk of expropriation and the loss of investments made over the years. With the deadline of December 31, 2024 approaching, concern is high, and beachgoers hope that the government will soon take concrete decisions to resolve the situation.
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