Italy: the separate agreement on the reform of the collective bargaining procedure might lead to a further outbreak of conflicts

“A reform in negotiating procedure has never been supported without prior approval of one of the key social partners”, declared Guglielmo Epifani, CGIL leader, proposing to submit to a referendum of workers the framework agreement on the negotiating model signed on January 22 by CISL, UIL, UGL, the government and most of the employers’ associations ( see our dispatch No 090080). Since this agreement modifies the system of union relations concerning all organizations, it is up to the workers to decide by vote the democratic validity of the agreement, emphasized Guglielmo Epifani. However, Rafaele Bonanni, CISL leader, rejected this proposal, asserting that “the referendum makes sense and has a political value when it concerns unitary agreements”, while the UIL leader also refused a new procedure on the ground that the CGIL cannot request consultation of its affiliates on an agreement which it has not signed. Confronted with this breach in union unity, the CGIL has anticipated the meeting with management on January 29 and 30 in order to decide the strategy to adopt, with strikes and meetings for a nationwide demonstration scheduled on April 4. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

asized Guglielmo Epifani. However, Rafaele Bonanni, CISL leader, rejected this proposal, asserting that “the referendum makes sense and has a political value when it concerns unitary agreements”, while the UIL leader also refused a new procedure on the ground that the CGIL cannot request consultation of its affiliates on an agreement which it has not signed. Confronted with this breach in union unity, the CGIL has anticipated the meeting with management on January 29 and 30 in order to decide t

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
France: Club Med includes “multiculturalism” in its professional equality agreement
In December 2025, Club Med and the CFTC, Unsa, and FO trade unions signed an agreement on professional equality and working conditions. It introduces measures addressing AI, pay transparency, and...
23 March 2026
Spain: business support package to tackle the economic impact of the Middle East conflict
The Spanish government approved a series of measures on 20 March to support companies facing rising energy prices. In return, these businesses are prohibited from making redundancies for economic...
23 March 2026
Catherine Chavanier (CDC Habitat): “Social dialogue on AI facilitates its deployment”
In February, CDC Habitat (10,500 employees) signed a two-year framework agreement governing social dialogue on AI. Catherine Chavanier, HR Director of the subsidiary of CDC (Caisse des dépôts et...
EU: Council adopts position on simplifying AI rules
The Council of the EU approved its position on 13 March regarding the “omnibus regulation” proposal, published last November by the Commission to simplify the AI Act. Confirming the...
20 March 2026
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
France: LinkedIn reveals most sought-after HR skills
LinkedIn is revealing the most sought-after HR skills in 2026 in a study to be published on 24 February, which mind RH is previewing. Internal communication, training planning, occupational health...
2
Netherlands: new government seeks to “control” social costs
In his government policy statement to Parliament on 25 February, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten announced several measures designed to "control" social costs. Notably, he proposed raising the...
3
Spain: a bill to regulate internships
On 3 March, the Council of Ministers approved the bill on the “Status for persons undergoing non-professional practical training in companies”. The text limits the number of interns a company can...
4
EU: co-legislators aim to pivot European Globalisation Adjustment Fund towards restructuring anticipation
On 25 February, the Council of the EU and the Parliament reached an agreement on the Commission’s proposed regulation to expand the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). Under the...
5
Block to slash workforce by nearly half
The news. In his latest shareholder letter, Jack Dorsey, CEO of payment service provider Block (formerly Square), announced plans to slash the company’s workforce “by nearly half, from...