On June 8 and 9, 2025, Italian citizens will cast their votes in a pivotal referendum that will address five significant questions concerning labor rights and citizenship. This referendum, which has garnered the support of 637,000 signatures, is backed by various trade unions and political parties, with the aim of reforming existing labor laws and making citizenship more accessible to immigrants.
The Comitato Referendum Cittadinanza Crema e Cremasco has been established to engage the local community in this crucial electoral event. A public meeting to present the committee is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 6 PM at the bar of the Museo in Crema. This initiative is part of a broader effort to inform citizens about the referendum questions and encourage public participation. Residents will have the opportunity to hear personal testimonies and learn more about the implications of the referendum.
Among the five referendum questions, the first focuses on the controversial labor reforms introduced by the Jobs Act, which has been criticized for its provisions regarding unlawful dismissals. The question reads: "Do you want the repeal of Legislative Decree No. 23 of March 4, 2015... in its entirety?" This legislative change has made it difficult for workers to regain their positions after being unjustly dismissed. According to the Cgil, more than 3.5 million workers are currently affected by these provisions, which prevent reinstatement even when a judge rules the dismissal as unjustified.
The second question aims to enhance protections for workers in small businesses. It asks if voters want to repeal certain regulations that limit compensation for unlawful dismissals to a maximum of six months' salary. The question states: "Do you want the repeal of Article 8 of Law No. 604 of July 15, 1966... limited to the words...?" Currently, employees in companies with fewer than 16 workers face capped compensation, leaving them vulnerable in cases of wrongful termination.
The third referendum question addresses the increasing prevalence of precarious employment by seeking to abolish the rules that have liberalized the use of fixed-term contracts. The question posed is: "Do you want the repeal of Article 19 of Legislative Decree No. 81 of June 15, 2015... limited to the words...?" This change is intended to restore the requirement for employers to provide a valid reason for hiring temporary workers, a measure that could stabilize job security for approximately 2.3 million individuals currently employed under fixed-term contracts.
The fourth question focuses on workplace safety, specifically regarding the responsibilities of contracting companies. It seeks to repeal existing provisions that limit liability for accidents at work to subcontractors alone. The question reads: "Do you want the repeal of Article 26, paragraph 4, of Legislative Decree No. 81 of April 9, 2008... limited to the words...?" This amendment is crucial for holding all parties accountable in the event of workplace accidents, which currently see nearly 1,000 fatalities annually in Italy.
Lastly, the fifth referendum question pertains to citizenship rights, proposing to reduce the required residency period for foreign nationals from ten years to five years. The question states: "Do you want to repeal Article 9, paragraph 1, letter b), limited to the words...?" This change could significantly impact around 2.5 million immigrants living in Italy, facilitating their path to citizenship and integration into Italian society.
Polling stations will be open on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 7 AM to 11 PM and on Monday, June 9, from 7 AM to 3 PM. Voters outside their registered locations must apply by May 4, 2025, to participate in the referendum. This includes Italian citizens residing abroad (AIRE) who can vote in Italy, provided they notify their consulates by April 10, 2025.
In a recent initiative held on April 3, 2025, in Montignoso, representatives from 'Rifondazione Comunista' and Cgil Massa-Carrara gathered to emphasize the importance of these referendum questions. Nicola Del Vecchio, the provincial secretary of Cgil Massa-Carrara, highlighted how these reforms could positively affect the lives of millions of workers and citizens in Italy. He urged the public to actively participate in the upcoming vote, stating, "Each individual's vote can change things," and emphasizing the need for informed participation to build a fair and inclusive future.
As the referendum date approaches, the call for voter engagement intensifies. The outcomes of these five questions could reshape labor rights and citizenship laws in Italy, making it imperative for citizens to understand the stakes involved. With a collective effort to mobilize voters, advocates hope to see a significant turnout that reflects the will of the people.
