In July 2004, Italy’s central social partner organisations - the Confindustria employers' confederation and the Cgil, Cisl and Uil trade union confederations - launched talks on a possible national agreement aimed at boosting the country’s competitiveness and economic development. Negotiations were
In July 2004, after eight months of negotiations, a new national collective agreement was signed for the Italian commerce sector . The main points of the deal include an average monthly wage increase of EUR 125, a one-off payment of EUR 400, the establishment of four joint bodies and new rules on
In late May 2004 , Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was elected as president of Confindustria, Italy's main employers' organisation. In his inaugural speech, Mr Montezemolo called for a relaunch of social dialogue and consultation and criticised the government. The change of approach was welcomed by the
In May 2004, a new sectoral collective agreement was signed for the Italian building sector, which employs around 1.2 million workers. As well as providing for a pay increase of EUR 90 a month, the agreement covers matters such as training, health and safety and joint action to combat undeclared
In April 2004, Italian social security institutes and the social partners in the building sector signed an agreement providing for the certification of companies' correct payment of social security contributions. This certificate, which will be obligatory for all companies wanting to take part in
In April 2004, a new national collective agreement was signed for Italy's garment and textiles sector, which employs 650,000 workers. The deal provides for: an average monthly pay increase of EUR 87 over two years; the creation of new joint bodies; improved information and consultation rights; rules
In March 2004, employers' organisations and trade unions in the province of Lecco in Northern Italy signed an innovative agreement with a local foundation, aimed at promoting social solidarity initiatives. Workers and companies will contribute, on a voluntary basis, to a new fund to finance local
In March 2004, the three main Italian trade union confederations, Cgil, Cisl and Uil, held a joint assembly for the first time in 10 years. The meeting approved a document which criticises the government and makes proposals on economic, incomes and social policy. The confederations called a four
In March 2004, Italy's main employers' confederation, Confindustria, appointed a new president, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. The appointment of Mr Montezemolo, who succeeds Antonio D'Amato, may mark a turning point in the organisation's strategy.
In March 2004, trade unions and employers' organisations in Italy's artisanal (small crafts businesses) sector signed an important agreement, which reorganises the collective bargaining structure, giving more importance to pay bargaining at local level. The accord also relaunches the artisanal