On May 12, 2025, a significant wave of discontent is set to sweep across Italy's universities as multiple groups unite to protest against the ongoing precariousness of academic employment. The FLC CGIL, a prominent union representing knowledge workers, has called for a strike aimed at addressing the pressing issues of underfunding, precarious contracts, and the broader implications of government policies on education.
According to a statement from the FLC CGIL, the strike targets the precarious conditions faced by temporary staff, research fellows, and all fixed-term employment relationships within the university system. The union highlights that these issues have been exacerbated by the current government's policies, which have led to significant cuts to the Ordinary Financing Fund for universities. "This strike is a call to action against the cuts, war, and precariousness that have been affecting our educational institutions," the statement reads.
Joining the FLC CGIL in this mobilization is the Confederazione Nazionale di Base (Cub), which is also organizing a general national university strike on the same day. Cub's protest focuses on the government's cuts to education and research funding, which they argue prioritize military spending over academic investment. A rally is scheduled to take place at the University of Bicocca in Milan, starting at 11:00 AM, where participants will voice their grievances against low wages, outsourced jobs, and the increasing precariousness of employment within universities.
The Cub has been vocal about its opposition to the Meloni government’s financial policies, which they claim are detrimental to the educational sector. They argue that while the government is willing to incur national debt for rearmament, it simultaneously cuts resources that support universities and research. In a statement, they emphasized, "The government is transferring national wealth into the hands of the war industry while neglecting the educational needs of our future generations."
Both unions are calling for a comprehensive set of demands to be addressed during the strike. Among these are calls to block legislative initiatives that would introduce additional fixed-term positions in universities beyond the existing Research Contract. They are also advocating for an extraordinary plan to expand university staff and stabilize current precarious employees. Furthermore, they demand an increase of at least 5 billion euros over the next five years for the Ordinary Financing Fund, which they argue is essential to align Italy's educational resources with those of other European countries.
The unions are not only focusing on financial issues but also on the working conditions of university staff. They are contesting the Bernini reform, which they believe will exacerbate precariousness among university workers. The reform has been criticized for failing to provide adequate job security and dignity for those working in academia, particularly for outsourced personnel who often face worse working conditions than their directly employed counterparts.
In light of these challenges, the unions are calling for a reduction in military spending, urging that these funds be redirected towards stabilizing precarious university positions. They are advocating for genuine national competitions to ensure fair hiring practices and an end to the baronial system that currently governs the evaluation of precarious workers. The unions argue that this system perpetuates inequities and undermines the integrity of academic employment.
As the date of the strike approaches, the FLC CGIL and Cub are mobilizing support across various university campuses, aiming to raise awareness about the issues at stake. They believe that this coordinated effort will shine a light on the struggles faced by temporary staff and the broader implications of government policies on the future of higher education in Italy.
The strike on May 12 is expected to draw significant participation from university staff, students, and supporters of public education. It represents a crucial moment for those advocating for a more equitable and sustainable academic environment. The unions hope to not only bring attention to their demands but also to foster a sense of solidarity among all those affected by the current state of precarious employment in the education sector.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming protests serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles within Italy's educational institutions. As the country grapples with the dual challenges of funding cuts and increasing military expenditures, the voices of those advocating for change are more important than ever. The outcome of this strike could have lasting implications for the future of education and employment in Italy.
