A production halt has been scheduled for Sangemini Glassworks (central Italy), formerly Avir (O-I) which employs about 90. Management informed unions of its intention to halt production until June 2009, which includes the shutdown of the furnace. The decision is motivated by a sharp decline in orders. According to the company, output of bottles for oil, wine & water is down by about 30%, hence the decision to suspend production for an unspecified period of time. However, inventory levels are considered quite substantial & able to satisfy remaining demand. The production halt brings the need for social funding to lessen the effect on workers: the company has applied for top-up payments for 13 weeks. The main concern for trade unions is not so much the lay-offs, which are now rampant in the chemical industry, as the intention to turn off the furnace. It is feared that restarting production will not be straightforward
