Recent survey results conducted by Uil Veneto show strong public sentiment surrounding concerns of work and healthcare among the residents of the Veneto region. The survey, which ran from late October to early December, gathered opinions from 16,786 individuals, with women making up 52.2% of respondents. The 40 to 59 age demographic was the most active, constituting 45.2% of entries, followed by participants aged 18 to 39 at 29.3%. Notably, those over 60 represented 19.4% of responses, and under 18s accounted for 6.1%, many of whom were reached at the Job&Orienta event held in Verona.
The results, analyzed by the Centro Studi Sociali ed Economici del Veneto (CSSE), provide valuable insights for the trade union’s future focus areas. Respondents were allowed to select only one priority, with work being highlighted as the primary concern by 30% of participants, followed closely by healthcare at 26.7%, and safety at 15.4%.
These priorities, interestingly, shift dramatically based on age. For the younger generation, safety and education rank highly, with 21.5% identifying safety and 21% prioritizing education. Conversely, work is more significant for adults — 34.7% of respondents aged 30 to 49 and 36.6% of those aged 40 to 59 listed it as their chief concern. Among seniors, 48% placed healthcare at the forefront of their worries.
A closer examination of the data on a provincial level reveals intriguing patterns. For example, Belluno residents cited healthcare as their most pressing issue (29.2%), narrowly surpassing work (28.3%). Younger respondents (under 18) here indicated transport issues (37.5%) as their highest concern, underscoring regional disparities. Meanwhile, for seniors aged over 60, anxiety about healthcare swelled to 56.1%.
Padova showcased similar trends, with work taking precedence at 29.1%, just overtaking healthcare at 27%. Particularly notable was the young demographic’s concern for environmental issues (35%), portraying a generational divide. The situation diverges sharply in Rovigo, where work emerged as the foremost concern, registering 46.3%, significantly distancing itself from healthcare at 27.8%. Here, the adult category showed nearly 60% emphasis on work, highlighting regional economic challenges.
Further distinguishing regional disparities, Treviso exhibited substantial anxiety surrounding healthcare across various age groups, particularly among those aged 40-59 and seniors. Meanwhile, concerns about safety dominated discussions among younger demographics, with 35.7% identifying it as their primary focus.
Venice follows suit, where work concerns stood at 32.2%, making it the second-highest after Rovigo. An insightful breakdown shows 33.9% of 30 to 49 year-olds and 42.5% of 40 to 59 year-olds here pointed to employment issues. Younger persons exhibited heightened interest in education at 34.2%.
Verona mirrored Venice's sentiment, with 31.5% of respondents prioritizing work. Notably, responses from under 18s showed equal concern for safety and employment (30.8% each), indicating young people's acute awareness of job market fluctuations.
Lastly, Vicenza results identified healthcare as the predominant issue (28.7%), particularly among seniors (47.2%). Work and safety followed with 23.2% and 19.5%, respectively, with education capturing significant interest among younger populations (26.3%).
Roberto Toigo, the Secretary General of Uil Veneto, emphasized the necessity of addressing these varying concerns: "We have intercepted worlds different from those traditionally associated with the union, but the issue of work remains the most significant challenge to confront and resolve,” expressing the depth of economic struggles felt across the region.
He highlighted how many respondents struggle to make ends meet, citing precarious employment conditions—70 cited crisis cases managing over 14,000 workers, as indicated by the region’s current working state. The disconnect between the local population's reality and their ability to secure stable futures is stark. Among healthcare concerns, issues with the relationship between patients and physicians emerged as central rather than problems with hospitals or wait times.
"The real issue lies within the relationship with general practitioners, who act no longer as gateways to care, scheduling appointments weeks out. This often forces patients to resort to emergency rooms for immediate medical assistance," Toigo remarked.
He also acknowledged the heightened safety concerns among younger individuals, especially noticeable during outreach at Job Orienta, mentioning reports of bullying and violence pervasive among adolescents.
A table set for mid-January will address these concerns, alongside local administrative figures like Mantovan and Marcato, to forge new agreements emphasizing labor collaboration with stakeholders. Uil Veneto plans to convene thematic discussions across all provinces, with 2025 earmarked for addressing these pivotal issues regionally, advocating for solutions reflective of the unique contexts found within each community.
With the intent to navigate through pressing regional anxieties, Uil Veneto aims to tackle fundamental issues head-on, ensuring every voice is not only heard but actioned upon for collective community improvement.
