PAME expresses its grief over the death of 18-year-old Lorenzo Parelli, who lost his life at a metallurgical plant in Udine, where he did his apprenticeship on Friday, January 21st.

The USB union of Italy states that the 18-year-old was crushed by a beam on the last day of his apprenticeship, instead of being at his school. And notes how dangerous is young children, instead of being at school being sent for apprenticeship at various companies. Employers, under the pretext of of apprenticeship, in essence exploit young children as cheap workers, while exposing them to dangerous conditions and risks with tragic consequences. The mother of the unfortunate young worker stated “My son left for school, but never returned”. At the same time, the USB union complains that the intensification and pressure in the workplace, with the abolition of basic measures of safety and protection of workers in the workplace led to an additional 7 fatal accidents at work over the weekend in Italy.

In Greece also, employers are taking advantage of the legal framework to turn workplaces into sweatshops, especially for young workers and apprentices. A situation in which the provisions of the Hatzidakis law are making even worse. Workers and trade unions must respond to the transformation of workplaces into galleys by strengthening the organization and demanding measures to protect the health and safety of workers.

The unions must strengthen their interventions together with the student associations in order to ensure apprenticeships for all students with a salary based on the National Collective Contract or the sectoral agreements where they exist. With full insurance coverage and medical care, with pensionable stamps. Organically integrated in learning with substantial supervision by the Ministry of Education.

PAME expresses its condolences to the family, classmates and colleagues of 18-year-old Lorenzo Parelli