FCA Melfi union signs for more jobs, higher pay - update 2

(ANSA) - Potenza, March 2 - A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) union on Monday signed a deal at FCA's southern Melfi plant upping shifts from 15 to 20. The deal means "a total of 1,000 structural hirings, including the 700 already made," as well as pay hikes, the RSA Uilm union said. The increases at the Melfi plant, about two hours southeast of Naples, will service production of the new Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. FCA last week announced a production increase in Panda model cars at its Pomigliano d'Arco plant, where 12 workers who were put on reduced-hour contracts will now be back on the job full-time.
    At the time, Fiom said Melfi workers weren't happy about the agreement signed during nighttime negotiations with other labor unions.
    FCA announced plans earlier this year to expand production of several models and boost sales, and Panda production at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant outside Naples will increase from 400 vehicles per shift to 420.