While the Fiat - Chrysler deal surely made some people feel a relief, it also raised concerns among Italian workers who now see their jobs threatened by reduced labor costs overseas. The Italian government initially asked Fiat not to affect domestic operations and is now preparing to meet Sergio Marchionne and other Fiat executives on the matter.
Industry Minister Claudio Scajola said in a statement that Fiat's board together with unions will meet with government representatives on June 18 to discuss the recently closed deal with Chrysler and the way the acquisition of its assets influence Fiat's operations in the domestic market.
"Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will preside over the meeting with the management of the company, unions and the president of the regions where the main manufacturing plants are located," Scajola was quoted as saying by Reuters.
In a letter sent to Chrysler's employees two days ago, Sergio Marchionne, Fiat's CEO, revealed that the Italian automaker is already getting ready to transfer its very own technology to Chrysler, but didn't mention whether the upcoming restructuring process could affect its 30,000-people workforce.
"Over the next several months, we will begin the process of transferring Fiat's technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars into Chrysler's manufacturing facilities. This award-winning technology will be critical to helping Chrysler round out its product line and give the company a strategic advantage in many markets around the world," he said.
"Work is already underway to develop new environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles, including Chrysler's electric-vehicle program. In the meantime, we will begin working together to find the most effective ways to combine our R&D and distribution networks so that we can begin to reap the many benefits this alliance will provide."
Industry Minister Claudio Scajola said in a statement that Fiat's board together with unions will meet with government representatives on June 18 to discuss the recently closed deal with Chrysler and the way the acquisition of its assets influence Fiat's operations in the domestic market.
"Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will preside over the meeting with the management of the company, unions and the president of the regions where the main manufacturing plants are located," Scajola was quoted as saying by Reuters.
In a letter sent to Chrysler's employees two days ago, Sergio Marchionne, Fiat's CEO, revealed that the Italian automaker is already getting ready to transfer its very own technology to Chrysler, but didn't mention whether the upcoming restructuring process could affect its 30,000-people workforce.
"Over the next several months, we will begin the process of transferring Fiat's technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars into Chrysler's manufacturing facilities. This award-winning technology will be critical to helping Chrysler round out its product line and give the company a strategic advantage in many markets around the world," he said.
"Work is already underway to develop new environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles, including Chrysler's electric-vehicle program. In the meantime, we will begin working together to find the most effective ways to combine our R&D and distribution networks so that we can begin to reap the many benefits this alliance will provide."