Pfizer to close penicillin unit, cut around 330 jobs in Italy

Pfizer (PFE) plans to cut around 330 jobs at its Catania plant in Sicily as part of a restructuring that includes the closure of its penicillin department, according to Italy’s three main chemical and pharmaceutical-sector unions, Filctem CGIL, Femca CISL, and Uiltec UIL.

The cuts would affect about 60% of Catania's 550 employees, with the penicillin unit expected to close by December, the unions said following an October 6 meeting with Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT).

Pfizer is not planning new development investments at the facility to absorb the affected workforce, with spending instead focused on maintenance and digitalization of the sterile production line, the unions said.

"We reject the company plan, demanding the reversal of the layoffs and a genuine revitalization plan for the site. Workers' assemblies will be held in the coming days to decide on the mobilization package and implement all necessary initiatives to oppose these decisions," the three unions said.

Industry Minister Adolfo Urso is expected to visit the Catania facility on October 23, while another meeting on the site’s future is scheduled for November 10.