Daniela Fumarola has made history by becoming the new Secretary General of the Italian trade union Cisl, following her election with 188 votes during the General Council meeting held on February 12, 2025, at the Cisl headquarters in Rome. Taking over from Luigi Sbarra, who stepped down due to age limits, Fumarola's ascendance marks not only her personal achievements but also reflects the union's continued evolution amid changing economic and social landscapes.
Born in Taranto in 1966, Fumarola began her remarkable career within the union movement as early as 1987. Initially working with Fisba, the Cisl federation for agricultural workers, she supported laborers throughout Italy, making her name known among those who advocate for workers' rights. After years of dedicated service, she steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Secretary General of the Cisl of Taranto and then Cisl Puglia-Basilicata, where she was first elected Secretary General.
Her elevation to the role of Secretary General at the national level reflects the confidence peers place on her ability to unite workers across diverse sectors. During her inaugural speech, Fumarola energized the audience by expressing gratitude for their turnout at the Milan demonstration against the government's economic policies. "Thank you! Thank you for being here, you are beautiful! It’s wonderful to be reunited like this!" she exclaimed, as she took to the stage, indicating her goal to represent the workforce with passion and vigor.
President of Confcommercio, Carlo Sangalli, commented on Fumarola’s election, emphasizing the importance of collaboration moving forward. "I wish Daniela Fumarola good luck in her new role as Secretary General. We are confident she will continue the tradition of dialogue and cooperation between our organization and the union, paving the way for innovative solutions beneficial to both workers and businesses," he noted. Sangalli underscored the vitality of social dialogue as pivotal to tackling today’s challenges.
Her interim public appearance also shed light on the pressing challenges she intends to tackle, including fiscal policies and the labor market’s precarities. Fumarola passionately advocated for comprehensive fiscal reforms, arguing, "There’s no excuse for claiming lack of resources when we can seek funds from financial returns and excess profits of multinational companies." This statement exemplifies her intent to pressure political leaders for systemic change, aiming for fiscal equity and sustainability.
Fumarola’s stance extends deeply to women's rights within the labor market. "Motherhood is a societal value and should be incentivized. It is not merely seen as a burden but rather as an opportunity for collective growth," she argued. This reflects her commitment to addressing gender disparities and the need for improved work-life balance policies, particularly as Italy faces declining birth rates and increasing gender-based economic disparities.
It's significant to note the changing dynamics within labor unions themselves. While some organizations have historically operated within rigid frameworks, Fumarola’s leadership aims to ask unions to rethink their strategies and collaboration methods with one another. “The plurality of social and union life is enriching... we must pursue common goals without ideological divisions,” she remarked, calling for unity amid diversely positioned unions.
The challenges facing Fumarola as she steps up include not only the internal reforms needed within the Cisl but also the broader socio-political environment. The tumultuous nature of recent economic policies and public dissatisfaction can weigh heavily. “It’s imperative we reconnect institutions with the realities faced by our communities,” she said, underscoring the dissatisfaction many citizens feel with political leadership.
Reflecting upon her path, Fumarola acknowledges the intense commitment to labor advocacy required for success within the trade union framework. Throughout her career, she balanced extensive responsibilities with her personal life, noting her decision not to have children, recognizing the demands of her leadership role. “I cherish my family of sisters and friends dearly; work remains my focus,” she commented poignantly.
With increased visibility and expectations on her shoulders, many eyes turn to Fumarola to deliver on the promises she outlined. She insists on tackling prevalent issues such as maternity protection, labor stability, and the intersecting barriers women face. “Not enough attention has been paid to the burdens carried disproportionately by women today,” she firmly stated.
Daniela Fumarola’s election marks not just the leadership transition but signals the potential for transformative change within Cisl and, by extension, the labor movement throughout Italy. Her vision of creating shared prosperity, advocating for social equity, and reinforcing the role of unions amid modern challenges provides hope for those invested in the future of work and rights of laborers across the nation.