The revision to “union privileges” which reduces by 50% the number of paid hours devoted to union activities and union secondments came into effect on September 1, 2014. This measure forms part of the public administration reform adopted in June 2014. Even if the savings from this measure are estimated at 10.2 million euros for 2015, the political implications could be more far- reaching as the move represents an end to cooperation with Matteo Renzi’s government.
Within the context of “rationalization and public spending cuts” article 7 of the reform to the public administration (Decree 90/2014 in force since June, 2014) plans as of September 1, 2014, for a reduction in “union permits” (paid hours that employees can use to attend assemblies during their regular working hours), “trade union secondments” (distacco syndicale, paid absences from regular work for union leaders who devote themselves to union activities on a full-time or part-time basis with full pay and a guarantee of their former job when their union mandate ends), and unpaid “union leave” (aspettativa sindacale) where union leaders whilst not receiving pay do keep their jobs during their mandate.
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