Stellantis Asks Pomigliano Workers To Go To Serbia

Stellantis has asked some of its Italian workers if they would like to temporarily relocate to Serbia, causing a backlash from the Italian unions. The proposal came this week at the Pomigliano d’Arco Assembly Plant near Naples, Italy, (which produces the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Dodge Hornet, and the old Fiat Panda), where workers were approached with a surprising question: “Who wants to go to Serbia?”

The idea is simple on paper, but it is controversial in reality. Stellantis wants to send about 100 volunteers from its Pomigliano workforce to the company’s plant in Kragujevac, Serbia. That’s where production of the all-new Fiat Grande Panda has just begun. The same proposal had been made a day earlier to workers at Stellantis’ Mirafiori Assembly Plant in Turin.

What Stellantis Is Offering – 

According to details shared with unions, the plan is structured like a temporary assignment. Workers who volunteer would initially have their travel expenses reimbursed, plus receive a daily allowance of €25.82 (about $28). After the first two weeks, they would switch to a flat daily rate of €70 (about $76), meant to cover housing and meals—even on weekends. Three workers would share a rental car, and the first return trip to Italy would be scheduled after 40 to 45 days.

On paper, that may not sound unreasonable. But no Pomigliano workers have yet stepped forward.

Why Unions Are Furious – 

Italian unions were quick to slam the idea, calling it “serious, short-sighted, and disorganized.” Their frustration runs deeper than just logistics—it’s about the state of Stellantis’ Italian operations.

Pomigliano just reopened after the summer break, but production is limping along at half the pace of last year. The assembly line runs inconsistently, and Stellantis already has plans to use Italy’s government-supported redundancy fund in the coming weeks. In other words, jobs at home are fragile—and workers see this Serbia plan as a slap in the face.

The Bigger Picture – 

This issue isn’t just about Pomigliano or Serbia—it highlights the growing tension inside Stellantis’ European footprint. 

Italy is increasingly uneasy about the company’s direction. Stellantis has deep roots there—Fiat was once synonymous with Italian industry—but the company now makes strategic decisions with a global lens. Production has been shifting to cheaper labor markets, and Italy’s once-busy plants have been hit with layoffs, furloughs, and constant uncertainty.

The unions fear that this Serbia plan is another step toward hollowing out Italy’s auto industry. To them, Stellantis is prioritizing cheaper production over maintaining full employment for Italian workers.

Why Serbia? – 

Stellantis has invested heavily in Kragujevac, seeing it as a key production hub for affordable European models like the Grande Panda. Labor costs are lower, and Serbia has been eager to attract foreign automakers with incentives.

From Stellantis’ perspective, sending Italian workers there—even temporarily—could help ramp up production smoothly. The Italians are already familiar with the processes and can train local staff efficiently. It’s a fast way to get the plant up to speed.

But from the Italian unions’ point of view, this feels like exporting not just people but stability. If Stellantis can find a cheaper path elsewhere, what’s left for Italy?

What Happens Next – 

Right now, no one has volunteered from Pomigliano, and it’s unclear whether Stellantis will push harder or back down. The unions are digging in, demanding a serious discussion with the Italian government and the automaker’s leadership.

One thing is certain: the tension isn’t going away. As Stellantis chases efficiency across its global empire, Italy’s role will remain under the microscope. And if the company doesn’t balance cost-cutting with protecting its heritage plants, the pushback from unions—and the Italian public—will only grow louder.

Sources: ilPost.it