On June 8 and 9, 2025, Italian citizens will head to the polls to vote on five national referendums that could reshape key aspects of labor laws and citizenship acquisition in the country. This electoral event is significant, as it addresses pressing social issues that impact millions of Italians and foreign residents alike.
Four of the proposed referendums focus on labor rights, while the fifth pertains to citizenship regulations. The first referendum seeks to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens from ten years to five years, aiming to facilitate the integration of immigrants who have established their lives in Italy.
The second referendum targets the legislative decree n. 23/2015, which introduced contracts with increasing protection. This proposal aims to eliminate disparities in treatment for workers hired before and after March 7, 2015, ensuring that all employees have the right to reinstatement in the case of illegal dismissal.
The third referendum seeks to abolish the maximum compensation limit for illegal dismissals in small companies with fewer than 16 employees. Currently, the maximum compensation is capped at six months' salary, which critics argue does not adequately reflect the damages suffered by wrongfully terminated workers.
Another referendum aims to reintroduce the requirement for employers to provide a justification for fixed-term contracts lasting less than 12 months. This measure is intended to combat the misuse of temporary contracts without valid reasons and to promote greater job stability.
The final referendum addresses workplace safety, proposing to extend the client's liability in the event of accidents due to safety deficiencies in contracts. This change aims to ensure that clients are held accountable for ensuring safe working conditions, thereby enhancing worker protection.
For these referendums to be valid, a minimum voter turnout of 50% plus one is required. To encourage participation, the government has implemented provisions allowing students, workers, and patients who have been away from their municipality for at least three months to vote in a different section, provided they submit an application by May 5, 2025.
The referendums will coincide with the second round of municipal elections, a strategic move aimed at increasing voter turnout. This dual event is seen as an opportunity to engage citizens in discussions about labor rights and citizenship, which are fundamental to the social fabric of Italy.
Francesco Bertoli, general secretary of Cgil of Brescia, emphasized the importance of these referendums in a recent statement. He noted, "With these referendums, we are advancing battles we have long championed. It’s a struggle for dignity and civilization. We will organize a series of initiatives to raise awareness and encourage as many people as possible to vote, including young people, women, workers, and pensioners. This is a crucial electoral appointment for the future of democracy and for a more just and equitable society."
In preparation for the vote, various organizations and movements, such as Officina Comune, are hosting events to inform the public about the referendums. An event titled "Lavoro e cittadinanza" will take place on April 16, 2025, in Rovereto, aiming to foster understanding and discussion around the referendum questions.
Each of the five referendum questions will be clearly presented on the ballot, allowing voters to indicate their choice for each issue. Voters will mark a cross next to "Yes" if they wish to repeal the existing law or "No" if they prefer to maintain it.
The five questions are as follows:
- Question 1: Do you want to repeal the legislative decree 4 March 2015, n. 23, regarding the rules on contracts with increasing protection for illegal dismissals?
- Question 2: Do you want to repeal the maximum compensation limit for illegal dismissals in small businesses with fewer than 16 employees?
- Question 3: Do you want to repeal the rules limiting the duration and extensions of fixed-term contracts?
- Question 4: Do you want to repeal the exemption of clients from liability for accidents at work due to specific risks?
- Question 5: Do you want to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to 5 years?
Voting will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Voters must present a valid electoral card and identification document to access polling stations.
As the date approaches, it is crucial for citizens to familiarize themselves with the implications of each referendum question. Understanding how these proposed changes could affect labor rights and citizenship laws is essential for making an informed decision that will shape the future of Italian society.
The upcoming referendums represent a pivotal moment for Italy, as citizens are called upon to voice their opinions on issues that resonate deeply within the community. Engaging in this democratic process is not only a right but a responsibility that can lead to significant changes in the legal landscape of the country.
