The recent agreement for the Central Functions staff, valid for the three-year period 2022-2024, has marked a significant rift between the unions in the public sector, a rare event in the last twenty years. With the introduction of the short week and the expansion of smart working, the new contract affects approximately 195,000 employees, creating a climate of tension and dissent between the various unions.
The agreement, signed by Cisl-Fp and autonomous unions such as Confsal Unsa, Flp and Confintesa Fp, excluded Fp-Cgil and Uil-Pa. The signatory unions have thus reached the 54.6% of representation necessary for the validity of the agreement.
The general secretaries of Fp-Cgil and Uil-Pa have harshly criticized the agreement, arguing that workers deserve more adequate wages and not just a partial compensation for inflation. From an economic point of view, the agreement provides for an average monthly increase of 165 euros, with arrears of around one thousand euros. Salary variations depend on the professional categories: increases range from 121.40 euros for operators to 193.90 euros for highly specialized figures. In addition, the four-day work week is being introduced on an experimental basis, maintaining the 36-hour week, along with an expansion of smart working options. This innovation could radically transform the working methods of state personnel.
The reaction of the dissenting unions was swift: Fp-Cgil and Uil-Pa have already called a general strike for November 29, in response to the agreement which they consider insufficient. Maurizio Landini, secretary of the Cgil, declared that the time has come for a “real social revolt”, stressing that living and working conditions must return to the center of politics. This stance has triggered a heated political debate, with incisive responses from the government.
Landini’s words were interpreted as an invitation to social protest by members of the majority, while the opposition supported him against the intimidations received. With the economic maneuver being amended by parliament and the hearing cycle that will end soon, the climate remains tense. The next few weeks will be crucial to observe how the dynamics between the government and the unions will evolve. This agreement could represent only the beginning of a series of broader battles that concern not only the public sector but also the socio-economic future of the country.
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