Franceschini says Pompeii 'essential service'

Move made to ban strikes at national archaeological site

(ANSA) - Rome, June 23 - Culture Minister Dario Franceschini on Monday said he would add Italian museums and archaeological sites to the list of public places declared essential, making it harder for their workers to strike.

"It seems to me indisputable that archeological museums and sites are essential public services and are of great value and importance," said Franceschini. He spoke after workers mounted a demonstration that blocked the entrance to the world-famous archaeological site of Pompeii for a few hours earlier in the day. It was re-opened to visitors after unions representing striking staff agreed to meet with State officials on Friday.

Franceschini said that step was "certainly positive" but warned that strikes do too much damage to the image of archaeological site which, in turn, "threatens to undermine the hard work" on Pompeii at all levels.

He said that the new standard would mean strikers could be ordered back to work in "exceptional cases". Massimo Osanna, superintendent of Pompeii, said management wants to work "to return to normalcy" regarding agreements with local unions.