As the voting dates for the June 2025 Referendums draw near, Italian citizens are preparing to cast their votes on five significant abrogative questions concerning labor rights and citizenship. These referendums, scheduled for June 8 and 9, will allow voters to decide whether to repeal certain laws currently in effect, including those related to the Jobs Act and the requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship.
On Sunday, June 8, polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while on Monday, June 9, voting will take place from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. To ensure that the results are valid, at least 50% plus one of the eligible voters must participate in the referendum.
The five referendum questions cover a range of topics, primarily focusing on labor laws and citizenship requirements. The first four questions specifically address the regulations introduced by the Jobs Act regarding dismissals, while the fifth question pertains to the criteria for obtaining Italian citizenship.
The first question seeks to eliminate the current rules surrounding unjustified dismissals for employees hired after March 7, 2015. Under the existing law, these workers do not have the right to reinstatement but are entitled only to financial compensation ranging from six to thirty-six months' salary. This referendum aims to restore the provisions of Article 18 of the Workers' Statute, which allows for reinstatement in cases of null or manifestly unfounded dismissals.
The second question focuses on small businesses, proposing to remove the cap on compensation for unjustified dismissals in companies with fewer than 16 employees. Currently, if a worker is dismissed unlawfully, the maximum compensation is limited to six months' salary. If the 'Yes' vote prevails, judges would have the discretion to determine compensation based on various factors, including the severity of the violation and the worker's circumstances.
The third question addresses fixed-term contracts, proposing to reintroduce the requirement for employers to provide a valid reason when hiring employees on temporary contracts. Currently, companies can issue fixed-term contracts for up to 12 months without specifying a reason. This change aims to reduce job insecurity and encourage more stable employment arrangements.
The fourth referendum question relates to workplace safety, specifically the responsibility of contractors and subcontractors in the event of workplace accidents. The current law limits liability for accidents to the contracting or subcontracting company, excluding the client company. The proposed change would extend liability to the client as well, ensuring that they are held accountable for workplace safety.
Finally, the fifth question pertains to citizenship, proposing to reduce the required period of legal residence in Italy from ten to five years for non-EU citizens seeking citizenship. This change could potentially affect approximately 2.3 million people, allowing them to pass on citizenship to their minor children.
Each of the five questions will be represented on separate ballots, each of a different color to help voters distinguish between them. The light green ballot will represent the first question on dismissals, the orange ballot will represent the second question regarding small businesses, the gray ballot will correspond to the third question on fixed-term contracts, the ruby red ballot will pertain to workplace safety, and the yellow ballot will be for the citizenship question.
In preparation for the referendum, the Italian Ministry of the Interior has released sample ballots to familiarize voters with the process. Each ballot will allow voters to mark a 'Yes' to repeal the existing law or a 'No' to maintain it. To vote, citizens must present a valid identification document and their electoral card.
The push for these referendums has garnered significant public support, with over 4 million signatures collected for the questions proposed by the CGIL trade union and various associations. The citizenship question, promoted by the +Europa party, also received substantial backing, totaling 637,000 signatures. The mobilization for these referendums reflects a growing demand for reform in labor laws and a more inclusive approach to citizenship.
As the referendum dates approach, the discourse surrounding these questions continues to evolve. Proponents argue that the proposed changes are necessary to protect workers' rights and enhance social justice, while opponents warn that repealing these laws could undermine labor market flexibility and economic growth.
Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the implications of each question before heading to the polls. Understanding the potential consequences of a 'Yes' or 'No' vote is crucial for making informed decisions that will shape the future of labor rights and citizenship in Italy.
Ultimately, these referendums represent a pivotal moment in Italian politics, providing citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinions on critical issues affecting their lives. As the countdown to June 8 and 9 continues, the anticipation builds for what could be a transformative vote for the nation.
