Italy: consultation on labor law reform ends with another union break

Mario Monti, President of the Italian Council, said, “It will be the government’s reform, and we will be liable for it before Parliament.”  His ‘technical’ government could succeed where Berlusconi failed (he tried to revise Article 18 in 2002, but the CGIL gathered over 3 million workers at the Circo Massimo in Rome, forcing him to withdraw), doing an in-depth review of the historical pillar of Italian workers’ rights, forcing businesses with 15+ employees to rehire employees laid off without a fair cause.  After two marathon meetings to find an agreement, Mario Monti drew conclusions on the evening of March 20: there won’t be an agreement but a ‘record’ of stances which should be finalized today, March 22, during a final meeting, and which will be used as a basis for the bill the government will introduce in Parliament.  During the last meeting between the government and the social partners, the latter may suggest their latest adjustments for the other measures.  However, the amendment of Article 18 will remain as such because, “for the government, the debate is closed” Monti said, pointing out that all the social stakeholders agreed with the amendment, except for the CGIL. 
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talian workers’ rights, forcing businesses with 15+ employees to rehire employees laid off without a fair cause. After two marathon meetings to find an agreement, Mario Monti drew conclusions on the evening of March 20: there won’t be an agreement but a ‘record’ of stances which should be finalized today, March 22, during a final meeting, and which will be used as a basis for the bill the government will introduce in Parliament. During the last meeting between the government and the...

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