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The ‘most representative confederations’ are the CGIL (Confederazione
Generale Italiana del Lavoro), CISL (Confederazione Italiana Sindacati
Lavoratori) and UIL (Unione Italiana del Lavoro). It should be noted that,
besides these confederations, a considerable number of trade unions exist in
Italy which are defined as ‘autonomous’. The confederal trade union
organisations are organised in separate federations of specific categories.
The national federations representing the industrial categories stipulate the
collective national labour contracts which are valid for all workers, whether
affiliated or not.
Workers are not obliged to join a trade union, but if they intend to do so,
they must enrol in the national federation representing the category for the
manufacturing sector in which they are employed. Worker may join a trade union
in two ways:
- by authorising the employer to deduct a sum equal to approximately 1% of
the gross salary from their pay packet (which the employer then pays to the
relevant trade union organisation)
- by paying the dues directly to the trade union at the time of joining. It
is relatively common practice to join a trade union in Italy, but despite
the tradition of joining trade unions, it is very difficult to give accurate
figures that prove that the level of trade union membership is higher on
average than in other European countries.
Trade unions also offer other types of service: legal assistance in disputes
with employers, assistance with social security matters and assistance with tax
matters.
By means of a democratic process of election, a Rappresentanza Sindacale
Unitaria (RSU) (unitary trade union delegation) is constituted in the
workplace.These delegations may also be formed from trade unions other than
those referred to above, provided they are chosen by at least 5% of the voters.
The RSU is invested with the power to hold negotiations and discuss working
conditions and all related topics with company management. In addition, the
delegation has the task of discussing the decisions of the external union
organisations with the workers and the duty to participate in committees and
commissions set up in the workplace by agreement between workers’
organisations and employers to co-manage the various aspects of company
activities.
Text last edited on: 02/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2005
Reproduction is authorised.
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