Latina, due operai morti in 24 ore. I sindacati annunciano sciopero: “Non si può più lavorare con queste temperature”

Two workers have died within 24 hours in Latina, Italy, prompting union leaders to call for a strike over unsafe working conditions during extreme heat. The deaths have sparked outrage among labor organizations, who argue that the current temperatures make work environments hazardous and demand immediate action. The first worker, Wladislaw Pernal, a Polish national aged 64, lost his life on July 20 while replacing tiles in an apartment building in the Nuovo Latina district. He suffered a sudden illness and collapsed while working. Emergency services were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The second fatality occurred just two days later, on July 22, when Francesco Gritto, a 54-year-old worker, collapsed after experiencing a severe health episode while working on a photovoltaic project near Via Macchia Grande, close to Borgo Santa Maria. His colleagues found him unconscious, and despite efforts by medical teams, he did not survive. Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents, with the bodies of the deceased being seized for forensic analysis. Local officials have been urged to examine whether workplace safety regulations were followed, particularly regarding exposure to high temperatures. The region’s regional government has issued directives limiting outdoor work during peak heat hours, specifically between 12:30 and 16:00, when the risk of heat-related illnesses is heightened. Unions representing construction and industrial workers have responded swiftly, declaring a strike for July 24. Representatives from the Fillea Cgil, Filca Cisl, and Feneal Uil unions emphasized that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses a serious threat to workers' health. Diego Piccoli, general secretary of the Fillea Cgil Rome and Lazio branch, stated, “The heat is killing. There is no other way to describe what has been happening for years and is getting worse, causing irreversible consequences for workers.” He added that it is no longer acceptable to allow employees to work under such conditions and called for urgent measures to protect their well-being. Roberto Cecere, general secretary of the Cisl in Latina, echoed these sentiments, calling each death a deep wound for the community. He stressed the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and warned against forcing workers to choose between their health and employment. The unions argue that employers must take responsibility for ensuring safe working conditions, especially during periods of extreme weather. The incident has reignited discussions about the adequacy of existing labor protections in the face of rising summer temperatures. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, concerns over occupational health have grown. Workers in physically demanding jobs, particularly those outdoors, are increasingly vulnerable to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. While some companies have introduced cooling measures and adjusted schedules, critics say these steps are insufficient and often voluntary rather than mandatory. As the strike approaches, local authorities are expected to respond to the growing pressure from labor representatives. The outcome could influence future policies on workplace safety during extreme weather conditions. For now, the focus remains on the families of the victims and the broader implications of the tragedy for worker rights and public health.