Cgil and Uil have called an eight-hour general strike, accompanied by local demonstrations, for Friday, November 29. General secretaries Maurizio Landini and Pierpaolo Bombardieri announced this during a press conference. The unions are taking to the streets to demand changes to the budget maneuver, considered “inadequate” to address the country’s problems. They are also calling for an increase in the purchasing power of wages and pensions, in addition to the financing of healthcare, education, public services and industrial policies.
UIL secretary Bombardieri announced that the government will call them to Palazzo Chigi on Tuesday, November 5, but he stressed that the maneuver has already been presented to the Chambers with limited margins for possible changes. He stated that if the government were willing to listen to their proposals, the unions could reconsider the strike action. However, Landini reiterated that they are not interested in superficial changes but in substantial changes in the maneuver and in laws such as the related work and security bill.
Landini also highlighted his intention to urge the government to review its attitude towards trade unions and to open spaces for discussions and negotiations. In the days leading up to November 29, trade unions will organize assemblies and meetings in workplaces to raise awareness of the need for reforms in economic and social policies.
Regarding the position of the Cisl, which expressed a positive opinion on the maneuver, Landini emphasized that there is a divergence of opinions. He respected the assessment of his colleagues from the Cisl but firmly stated that he is on a completely different position. Bombardieri also confirmed this difference of views.
Following the announcement of the general strike, a Lega note criticized the two unions as “ridiculous” for their opposition to the wage increase for 14 million workers with incomes up to 40,000 euros. The note thanked those workers' representatives who advance constructive proposals instead of simply protesting.
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