Italian Enel unions' strike to impact Italian power plants

Union members of Italy's largest generating group Enel will carry out strike action across nine days in March that could affect output at a number of its thermal power plants, the unions announced Feb. 20.

A total of 13 plants will be impacted by the strikes, which span from March 4 through March 18, the Filctem, Cgil, Flaei Cisl and Uiltec Uil unions said.

In chronological order these are Brindisi, Fusina, La Spezia, La Casella, Pietrafitta, Santa Barbara, Priolo Gargallo, Torrevaldaliga Nord, Porto Empedocle, Porto Corsini, Sulcis, Montalto di Castro and Termini Imerese.

The unions are reacting to a new business plan by new CEO Flavio Cattaneo.

"We are not striking to seek pay increases, but for the direction the company is taking," union heads said in a statement Feb. 16.

The unions cited a drop in renewable investment over the next three years and lack of investment in the hydro and geothermal sectors.

Enel said in November 2023 it would cut capex by around Eur1.2 billion to Eur35.8 billion in the years to 2026.

Other contentious issues include a change to smart working conditions, a hiring freeze for three years and the sub-contracting of core activities.

The strikes will see eight hour halts for each shift as well as other action that might disrupt output.

Minimum service levels should be maintained throughout, in accordance with Italian law.

Enel is Italy's largest generator, operating 11.7 GW of thermal capacity and 14.7 GW of renewable capacity in Italy.

The company declined to comment when contacted.

Italy's clean spark spread for a standard 50% efficient gas-fired power plant was pegged by Platts at Eur8.94/MWh for on Feb. 19. Platts is part of S&P Global Commodity Insights.