Support GKN Autoworkers Just Transition Struggle

On 9 July 2021, Melrose Industries announced the closure of its GKN Driveline (formerly FIAT) factory producing car axles in Campi di Bisenzio, Florence, Italy and the layoff of all workers (more than 400).

The workers formed the GKN Factory Collective and decided to occupy their factory to argue that production should move to cargo bikes and solar panels, sealing an alliance with the climate justice movement.

This strategy engendered a cycle of broad mobilisations – repeatedly bringing tens of thousands to the streets – so that the dispute is still open, and the permanent sit-in at the factory remains until today.

The workers were meant to be finally dismissed on 1 January 2024, turning new year’s eve into a final call to action to defend their factory conversion plan. At the last minute, the Italian labour court ruled against the layoffs a second time – so the dispute is still live.

The GKN workers plan is a key example of a worker-led ecological transition – one which could set the way forward for workers across Europe.

But the project needs material solidarity now. Over 600,000 euros have been collected by the popular shareholding campaign to launch the co-operative, moving closer and closer to the target of 1,000,000 euros.

Donate to our fundraiser to help us contribute to the co-operative! We will buy shares in the name of the Climate Justice Coalition with the funds we raise.

Further information on how to contribute, individually or as an organisation directly with the GKN collective, got to the website www.insorgiamo.org.