Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) plans about 330 job cuts at its Catania plant in Sicily, unions said on October 7 after talks with Italy’s industry ministry. That represents roughly 60% of the site’s 550 employees.
The cuts would follow the permanent closure of the penicillin department. The unions said collective layoffs would begin after a legal procedure concludes in December, making this a planned workforce reduction rather than completed dismissals.
Filctem CGIL, Femca CISL and Uiltec UIL want the layoffs withdrawn. They said proposed investment covers maintenance and digitalization of the sterile line, without development spending to absorb affected workers.
In an October 6 update, Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy said Pfizer still considers Catania strategic. According to the ministry, the company intends to continue investing at the site and is looking for an industrial and employment solution.
The ministry has asked Pfizer for a broader plan to safeguard the site’s continuity and development. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso is due to visit the plant on October 23 and meet company executives. Further talks are scheduled for November 10, leaving the outcome of efforts to preserve jobs unresolved.
