E-mail sent to Maserati employees: Stellantis reacts to "false and abusive" information

A recent Maserati's internal communications, addressed to all Stellantis employees, including those on short-time working, triggered a major controversy in Italy. The cause? A special offer on Maserati models, reserved for group employees and their families, which was perceived as a "provocation" to workers in economic difficulty.

A controversial offer that scandalizes the political class

The e-mail in question, which began with a cordial "Caro collega" (Dear colleague), announced that from September onwards, employees could benefit from special discounts on several models of the prestigious Maserati brand, including the Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio. Although the initiative was intended to benefit employees, it was quickly brought to the attention of the media by union representatives.

For many people, this offer for employees, particularly those on short-time working, was perceived as an "insult" in a context of economic difficulties. Political figures such as Carlo Calenda of the Azione party and Marco Grimaldi of the Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra party were quick to react. Calenda denounced what he saw as a sign of "disarray" within Stellantis, while Grimaldi called for official government intervention. For her part, Chiara Appendino of the 5-Star Movement described the initiative as a "mockery of workers", reinforcing the climate of discontent.

Stellantis reacts: a request from employees

Faced with a wave of criticism, Stellantis was quick to respond, condemning the media leaks and providing clarification. about the origin of this offer. According to the company, it was the employees themselves who, on several occasions, had expressed the wish to benefit from discounts for their loved ones on Maserati vehicles. "These special offers were requested by our employees, and were then extended to the entire group," Stellantis claimed.

The company also emphasized thatthere was nothing "provocative" about such an initiativeMaserati already allows its employees to use its vehicles on special occasions, such as weddings. The group even plans to extend this possibility to other occasions. "Disseminating false and abusive information is not helpful to the company, and even less so to its employees," continues Stellantis. In this sense, the group rejects any accusations of bad faith or lack of consideration towards its troubled employees.

A non-issue symptomatic of growing tension

Despite the explanations provided, this controversy highlights the deep-rooted tensions that currently exist between the unions and the Stellantis Group. Although the offer in question was initiated at the request of employees, its interpretation by trade unions and politicians reveals the tense climate prevailing in the automotive sector, faced with numerous economic uncertainties.