BOLZANO. «We signed not out of weakness, but out of a sense of responsibility. After months of negotiations, we couldn’t risk losing the 170 million put on the table by the Province for the second part of the advance on the recovery, at least partial, of inflation 2022-2024. The sum will be paid in the form of a lump sum – off you go from a minimum of 2 thousand to a maximum of approximately 4 thousand euros gross, depending on the qualification – with the January salary, maximum February 2025. However, it is not enough. We need structural increases that take into account the cost of living in South Tyrol. If there are no quick responses, the response will only be street mobilization.”
Returning to the negotiating table at the beginning of the new year to have structural increases in the paycheck and not just one-off sums is the request of the unions who, yesterday morning, called a press conference to explain why, the other day, have signed the inter-sector agreement with the Province. The agreement concerns approximately 40 thousand people including provincial, municipal, health workers, district communities, retirement homes and teachers.
At the table were all the category representatives of the various trade unions: Angelika Hofer (Cgil), Claudio Scrinzi (CISL), Sabina Bonetalli (Uil), Stefan Erschbamer (ASGB), Gianluca Moggio (GS)), Massimo Ribetto (Nursing up). Stefano Boragine of the Ago union who did not sign the agreement was absent. Just yesterday during a press conference, Boragine confirmed the protest demonstration already scheduled for Friday 29 November.
Insufficient funds
The Province has allocated a budget of 450 million for the three-year period 2025-2027 to guarantee the structural increases, which would be distributed as follows: 200 million in 2025; 125 in 2026 and the same number in 2027. But according to the unions, although the amount is very high, it would not be sufficient considering that it must be distributed over an audience of 40 thousand people. Based on an initial calculation, between 200 and 220 million per year would actually be needed.
The third one-off fee
As regards the recovery of inflation for the period 2022-2024, a first tranche was paid in October 2023; the second – after the agreement signed in recent days – will arrive at the beginning of the new year: we are talking about 170 million. To close the inflation recovery chapter of the last three years, however, a further tranche would be needed. This will be discussed as part of the overall discussion.
The one-off payments - the unions say unitedly – are sums that are obviously good, as they serve to recover, at least in part, the purchasing power eroded by inflation, but they are not sufficient: this is why structural increases in salaries are needed. Bolzano – they recalled – is confirmed as the most expensive city in Italy in all rankings. An unenviable record that weighs on workers who are increasingly struggling to make ends meet.
The requests
The unions therefore ask for the immediate start of a bargaining table at the beginning of 2025, to obtain the necessary additional resources. “The system - they say – must be reformed to guarantee concrete increases and certain timescales”. The problem, as always, is finding resources. Far from easy given that there are around 40 thousand interested parties in the inter-sector contract. A.M.
What are the primary concerns of unions regarding the recent financial agreement for public sector workers in Bolzano?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Labor Relations Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Emilia Ferraro, an expert in labor relations and economic policy. We’re here to discuss the recent agreement signed by various trade unions in Bolzano that addresses substantial financial issues affecting public sector workers. Dr. Ferraro, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Ferraro: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to delve into this important topic.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Can you clarify the significance of the recent agreement signed by the unions and the Province of Bolzano?
Dr. Ferraro: Absolutely! The agreement marks a crucial step because it secures an immediate financial relief of €170 million for approximately 40,000 public sector workers. It’s crucial to understand that this payment will range from €2,000 to €4,000 gross, depending on qualifications, aimed at addressing the inflation impact from 2022 to 2024.
Editor: It sounds like a significant sum, but the unions have expressed that it’s not enough. What are their main concerns?
Dr. Ferraro: The primary concern is around structural increases in wages. While the one-off payments address immediate needs, the unions are advocating for long-term solutions to keep pace with the cost of living in South Tyrol. The expectation is for a more sustainable, annual salary increase that would alleviate the ongoing pressure of inflation.
Editor: The unions mentioned a possible mobilization of workers if their demands are not met. How could this impact the negotiations?
Dr. Ferraro: Mobilization can be a powerful tool for unions. It reflects dissatisfaction and can lead to increased pressure on provincial leaders to respond to worker needs. If the voices of the workers are loud enough, it could potentially shift the discussions back to the negotiating table in a more favorable manner for the unions.
Editor: You also pointed out the provision of €450 million earmarked for structural increases over three years. Is that sum sufficient?
Dr. Ferraro: According to the unions’ calculations, it falls short. They estimate that between €200 and €220 million annually would be necessary to truly support the workforce adequately. The distribution proposed does not consider rising inflation and the broader economic realities faced by public employees in the region.
Editor: In light of these economic challenges, how do you see the relationship between public sector salaries and inflation evolving in the next few years?
Dr. Ferraro: This is a complex issue. Economic conditions, policy decisions, and global trends all influence inflation and wage growth. If the government does not adapt its strategies to factor in these changes, we may see continued unrest and further demands from unions. There needs to be a clear recognition that adequate compensation and a cost-of-living adjustment are critical for the morale and productivity of public sector workers.
Editor: As we look forward, what would you recommend as a constructive path towards a resolution that addresses both short-term and long-term needs?
Dr. Ferraro: Communication is key. Regular dialog between unions and government representatives is essential to build trust and manage expectations. Additionally, establishing a transparent framework for assessing the cost of living and setting wage standards could lead to beneficial, long-term solutions. Lastly, increasing the awareness around economic realities faced by these workers should drive policy decisions towards more progressive labor practices.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ferraro, for sharing your insights with us today. It certainly seems that while progress has been made, the journey toward fair wages and support for public sector workers in Bolzano is far from over.
Dr. Ferraro: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital issue and one that deserves ongoing attention.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on labor negotiations and economic developments in the region.