Workers occupy coolmine in Sulcis, one of the poorest regions of Sardinia, to protest poverty and demand state aid in order to restart production. The occupation has been ongoing since August 26 and its pool of supporter is growing stronger.

On August 26 at night around 30 workers went down to 373 meters deep in their mine in Gonnesa, Sulcis. The province of Carbonia-Iglesias, in the South East side of Sardinia, in 2009 turned out to be the poorest of the entire country. Its economy is based on coal mines and on sheep-breeding. Both sectors are going through an harsh crisis. In August, Sardinia becomes a destination for thousands of Italian and foreign tourists, who enjoy its white beaches, clear sea and the beautiful villages on the coast. Some of these villages are the favourite destination of the richest people in Europe. Among them presidents, businessmen, movies stars. Despite this luxurious atmosphere, Sardinia remains the poorest region of Italy.

Workers who are occupying their mine in Sulcis blocked the access to the shafts with heaps of coal and machines. Inside the mine there are also 350 kg of explosive. They’re asking a revitalization plan for the mine to start. The government promised work would start again with new anti-pollution technologies. The mine is still active and it employs 463 workers. This is not the first occupation for that mine. In 1995 workers resisted deep in there for 100 days.

Sources, information, and updates are available here.