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27 December 2024

Italy Approves New Contract Enhancing Civil Servants' Work Conditions

The renewal introduces economic increases and innovative work practices aimed at modernizing the public sector.

The Italian government has recently approved the renewal of the national collective labor agreement (CCNL) for civil servants within the central functions sector, covering the period from 2022 to 2024. This contract, ratified by the Council of Ministers on December 23, 2024, promises significant innovations aimed at enhancing working conditions for some 195,000 employees across various governmental bodies including ministries and fiscal agencies.

The agreement introduces notable economic benefits, including an average monthly salary increase of 165 euros for thirteen months, equaling approximately 6% of employees' earnings. This increase not only recognizes the growing inflation affecting public workers but also aims to address the broader economic demands of maintaining adequate living standards within public administration.

According to Minister for Public Administration, Paolo Zangrillo, the new CCNL “represents a significant step forward” for public administration. He noted the importance of enhancing worker compensation and fostering a working environment responsive to employees' needs through innovative solutions for work arrangements.

Among the pivotal changes is the introduction of the experimental four-day workweek. Under this provision, civil servants can opt to complete their 36-hour workweek over four days instead of five. While intended to improve work-life balance, participation will remain voluntary and subject to the condition of maintaining public service standards.

These efforts are part of broad restructuring to modernize public services, providing more flexibility through improved smart working policies. The CCNL now allows for increased remote working, particularly advantageous for vulnerable employees, such as those caring for family members with disabilities. The revision stipulates regulations ensuring employees can work from home without sacrificing compensation.

Another noteworthy addition to the CCNL is the emphasis on intergenerational collaboration through specific age management incentives. The agreement introduces mentoring programs aimed at bridging knowledge gaps between younger and older employees, fostering mutual professional development.

The agreement also restructured the system of classifications within civil service jobs to acknowledge and reward employees based on their competencies and the responsibilities assumed. Positions of organizational responsibility have seen their maximum compensation raised to 3,500 euros annually, encouraging stability and rewarding long-term contributions.

COVID-19's impacts have accelerated many of these reforms, pushing the public sector toward increased flexibility and responsiveness. The CCNL reflects the changing labor market and societal expectations, aiming to create more adaptable jobs. The latter includes provisions for employees over 60 years old, granting additional leave for medical appointments, thereby acknowledging the unique health needs of older public servants.

Despite the positive developments, the negotiations for the new contract were not without challenges. The consensus among trade unions was not universal. While organizations like Confsal-Unsa, Cisl, Flp, and Confintesa signed the renewal, others, including major unions CGIL and UIL, opted out due to disagreements over some of the proposed changes.

The renewed CCNL for the central functions sector will have far-reaching effects across the public sector. It is expected to set the precedent for negotiations for other sectors such as local government and healthcare, with more improvements anticipated as early as January 2025.

Overall, the new contract provides much-needed directions for the future of public service employment, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for employees, addressing the economic pressures they face, and recognizing the importance of flexibility and inclusivity within the workforce.

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