Parmalat reorganisation and protection of the dairy supply chain in Emilia Romagna and Lombardy
4.3.2019
Question for written answer E-001146-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Brando Benifei (S&D) , Paolo De Castro (S&D)
Parmalat S.p.A., with over 90 production sites, is a world leader in the production and distribution of milk, dairy products and fruit-based beverages. Since 2011, it has been controlled by the French Lactalis Group.
On 9聽January聽2019, Parmalat employees received official notification that the French multinational was planning to transfer the 鈥楲actalis Italia鈥� management, strategic and supervisory services to France as part of an overall shake-up, raising concerns about the future independence of company managers.
Given the strategic importance of the company for the entire food supply chain of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Italy as a whole and the concerns expressed by union representatives regarding the formal independence of Parmalat S.p.A. and the need to protect around 2聽000 jobs likely to be affected by the projected restructuring:
Is the Commission aware of the Parmalat S.p.A. restructuring being mooted by the Lactalis Group?
Has the Lactalis Group fully complied with its obligations regarding information and consultation of workers under current EU framework provisions, in particular Directive聽2002/14/EC?
What action will it take to ensure that the Parmalat brand name retains its original ties with the Parma region, to which the success of its products is inextricably linked?