ITALIAN car workers went on strike today demanding an end to job cuts and a relaunch of the Italian car industry. 

It was the first national strike by car workers in 20 years.

Thousands also took part in a demonstration through the centre of Rome in support of the strike.

The strike was organised by the Fim-Cisl, Fiom-Cgil and Uilm-Uil unions. 

At the centre of the dispute is the world’s fourth largest automaker Stellantis, which manufactures brands such Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

Over the past 17 years Stellantis has axed 70 per cent of its workforce and in the first half of 2024 the company recorded a steep drop in output at most of its Italian plants.

Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares blames European Union carbon emission rules for raising production costs and has said the company may be forced to close assembly plants in the face of stiff competition from China.

Mr Tavares said he “could not rule out” more job cuts, and said the industry was in need of additional state incentives to increase the demand for electric vehicles.

The strike comes amid rising tensions between Stellantis and the Italian government and unions which accuse the car-maker of relocating assembly plants to low-cost countries.