On June 8 and 9, 2025, Italian citizens will have the opportunity to participate in five significant referendums, as announced in the Official Gazette No. 75 on March 31, 2025. These referendums, called through the Decrees of the President of the Republic, will address critical issues concerning labor laws and citizenship regulations, reflecting ongoing debates in Italian society.
The first referendum question aims to repeal the regulations concerning dismissals under the "contract of employment with increasing protection" established by the Jobs Act. This legislation allows companies to avoid reinstating workers who are illegally dismissed if they were hired after 2015. The specific wording of the question is: "Do you want the repeal of Legislative Decree No. 23 of March 4, 2015, concerning provisions on the permanent employment contract with increasing protection, as implemented by Law No. 183 of December 10, 2014, in its entirety?" This question has garnered attention as it touches on the balance between employee rights and employer flexibility.
The second question focuses on small businesses, proposing a partial repeal of the ceiling on compensation for unjustified dismissals. The goal is to enhance protections for employees in companies with fewer than fifteen workers by eliminating the current maximum limit of six months' salary for compensation in cases of unjustified dismissal. The question reads: "Do you want the repeal of Article 8 of Law No. 604 of July 15, 1966, concerning individual dismissals, as replaced by Article 2, paragraph 3, of Law No. 108 of May 11, 1990, limited to the words: 'including between one' and 'and a maximum of 6'?" This issue highlights the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices in Italy's smaller enterprises.
The third question seeks to eliminate certain rules regarding fixed-term contracts. The aim is to modify existing regulations that govern the duration and conditions for extensions and renewals of these contracts. The proposed wording is: "Do you want the repeal of Article 19 of Legislative Decree No. 81 of June 15, 2015, concerning organic regulation of employment contracts, limited to specific phrases regarding maximum duration?" This reflects a broader conversation about job security and employment stability.
Another significant question addresses the exclusion of joint liability for workplace accidents involving subcontracted workers. This proposal aims to repeal measures that prevent extending liability to the client company in cases of workplace accidents occurring under contracting arrangements. The question states: "Do you want the repeal of Article 26, paragraph 4, of Legislative Decree No. 81 of April 9, 2008, concerning health and safety in the workplace, as modified by subsequent laws?" This referendum highlights concerns about worker safety and accountability in the contracting process.
The fifth and final referendum question proposes to halve the time required for non-EU citizens to obtain Italian citizenship from ten to five years of legal residence. This change would modify Article 9 of Law No. 91/1992, which currently requires a decade of residency for citizenship applications. The question is: "Do you want to repeal Article 9, paragraph 1, letter b), limited to the words 'adopted by an Italian citizen' and 'subsequent to the adoption'?" This question reflects Italy's evolving stance on immigration and citizenship.
Voting will take place on Sunday, June 8, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Monday, June 9, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old by June 8, hold Italian citizenship, and be registered on the electoral rolls of the Municipality of Bellinzago Lombardo. Additionally, Italian citizens residing abroad who are registered in the AIRE (Register of Italians Resident Abroad) and have opted to vote in Italy by April 10, 2025, will also be able to participate.
Voters must present a valid identity document and their electoral card at the polling station. For those who have lost their electoral card or have exhausted the available spaces, a duplicate can be requested at the polling station during the first round of administrative elections.
Italian citizens residing abroad will vote by correspondence, in accordance with Law No. 459 of December 27, 2001. They can also opt to vote in Italy, provided they exercise this option by the specified deadline. Voters who are temporarily residing in a different municipality for study, work, or medical reasons can also cast their votes where they are located. They must submit an application to the local municipality by May 2, 2025, which can be revoked by May 14, 2025.
In Livorno, residents can express their willingness to serve as Presidents of polling stations from April 7 to June 6, 2025. Additionally, those already registered as scrutineers can indicate their availability to serve from April 7 to May 9, 2025. The criteria for appointing scrutineers include unemployment status, students, and others, ensuring that those most in need have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
As the referendum dates approach, the focus will undoubtedly intensify on these important issues, which not only affect labor rights and citizenship but also reflect broader societal values and priorities in Italy today. The outcomes of these votes could have significant implications for the future of Italian labor laws and immigration policies.
