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. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

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 social pa

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Portugal: open consultation on the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive
The news. On 5 August 2026, the Portuguese government published a document proposing a draft text to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive as the basis for a public consultation open until...
EU: the Commission will set up an Expert Group on the impact of AI in the world of work
The news. On 22 July 2026, the European Commission published a progress report on the EU-27’s achievements regarding the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, reinforced by the...
Belgium: toward an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child
The news. On 18 July, the Belgian federal government approved a draft bill introducing an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child. This entitlement would be added to existing...
Germany: a national action plan to strengthen collective bargaining
The news. On 22 July, the German federal government unveiled a national action plan to promote collective bargaining in response to the requirements of the EU minimum wage directive. The directive...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
EU: the Commission will set up an Expert Group on the impact of AI in the world of work
The news. On 22 July 2026, the European Commission published a progress report on the EU-27’s achievements regarding the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, reinforced by the...