Standing with the Acca strikers in Prato

Since 19 June, Acca’s workers have been on strike following the announcement that the company is to close, a decision that would leave 95 people out of work. In fact, this is yet another example of a ‘sham closure’: textile companies in Prato regularly resort to this tactic; they close down, then reopen under a different name, so as to avoid having to settle all outstanding legal matters, including everything relating to workers’ rights. Prato, near Florence, is Europe’s largest textile district; this is where most low-cost clothing is produced.

For years, trade unions, including SUDD COBAS, have been leading the fight against the systemic exploitation prevalent in textile sector companies, including logistics firms such as Acca.

Until 2023, Acca’s workers were exploited, working up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Through the strike, they secured an employment contract that met the required standards. It was a tough, gruelling strike, during which strikers were attacked with iron bars outside their homes by management-backed militias on several occasions. The balance of power had enabled the implementation of agreements offering better terms than the collective agreement in force.

In addition to what it owes its workers, Acca’s management is the subject of two investigations: one for tax fraud amounting to €70 million, the other for the illegal recruitment and exploitation of labour. This is why the company is ‘closing down’ … only to reopen and continue its social theft.

Strike pickets have been stationed outside the company’s gates since 19 June. The struggle continues. Violence from management and the police is still rife: an attack by a 150-strong management-backed militia, police interventions against the strike picket…

Let’s support the strikers!

The strike fund is here.