Filca-Cisl, a construction workers’ union, has commemorated the victims of workplace accidents by donating and planting 20 trees in Turin’s Venchi Unica garden. The initiative, spearheaded by Enzo Pelle and Mario De Lellis, general secretaries of the national and Turin branches of Filca-Cisl, aims to highlight the union’s dedication to both workplace safety and environmental sustainability.
The trees serve as a poignant reminder of the high toll that the construction industry pays, with an average of one worker losing their life every two days in Italy. This tragic statistic underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations within the sector.
In addition to honoring the memory of fallen workers, Filca-Cisl’s donation aligns with their broader advocacy efforts. The union has been actively campaigning for greater workplace safety through national mobilizations, including assemblies and demonstrations at construction sites, companies, and union offices. A major national demonstration is scheduled to take place in Rome on Saturday, April 13.
Pelle and De Lellis emphasized the importance of sustainability and urban regeneration in the construction industry. They stressed the need for the sector to focus on revitalizing historic city centers, redeveloping housing, and ensuring the overall safety of the built environment. Their vision is for a construction industry that is not only safe and modern but also environmentally responsible and sustainable.
