On March 7, 2008, the management of Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) announced the privatisation of freight car maintenance and the out-sourcing of engine maintenance. 430 workers from the SBB/CFF/FFS Cargo factories in Bellinzone immediately went on strike. In just a few days an enormous protest movement was born that affected the whole region. The «pittureria», a hangar used for varnishing trains, became both centre and symbol of the struggle. The tussle between the strikers and SBB/CFF/FFS management lasted thirty days. During this intense time, the hardening of positions forced politicians to break their silence: the minister for transport had to intervene. On April 5, the railway management was obliged to withdraw its restructuring plans and had to guarantee the factories would be kept open until 2012. On April 7, the workers assembly called off their action and mandated the strike committee to participate in the round table for all parties involved, and to discuss maintaining and developing the factories activities beyond 2012.