Barilla employees in Italy have stopped work today (21 October) in protest at the pasta group’s plans to revamp its manufacturing in the country.

Last month, Barilla announced plans to shake up its production in Italy in a bid to “stay competitive in a challenging market”.

The changes involve the sale of production sites and the creation of a “new pasta production hub” in the city of Foggia.

Italian trade unions FAI-CISL, FLAI-CGIL, and UILA-UIL have convened an eight-hour strike by Barilla staff today.

The FAI-CISL has publicly criticised Barilla’s “lack of willingness to engage in dialogue” as well as a “lack of respect” for the unions and staff.

Barilla’s plans to overhaul its production in Italy include the potential sale of three production sites.

The family-owned group, one of the world’s largest pasta manufacturers, is in talks to sell a factory in Marcianise to local rival Pastificio Liguori. The business is also in negotiations to sell mills in Ancona and Bari to Italian miller Molino Casillo. Talks on both transactions are at an advanced stage, Just Food understands.

Barilla’s plans for the new “hub” in Foggia will see the company invest €100m ($112.2m) to build a mill to support the existing pasta plant.

The unions have called for Barilla to “reconsider” its plan to sell off the assets in Marcianise, Ancona and Bari.

In a statement sent to Just Food, Barilla said: “Barilla reaffirms the soundness of the project and its commitment to safeguarding employment levels and ensuring the continuity of production at the Marcianise site.

“Barilla regards these aspects as a fundamental prerequisite for the operation. Furthermore, production for the company will continue at the site, based on multi-year supply contracts with the acquiring company.”

Just Food asked Barilla if the company plans to hold talks with union officials. The company said: “Barilla reaffirms its willingness to discuss the details of the business plan in greater depth with trade unions and institutions.”