WORLD
Advocates Philippines
Fifteen Million Voices For Change: A New Phase In The Struggle For Workers' Rights
Photo credit: Collettiva Italy
The recent referendums on labor rights in Italy may not have met the required quorum, but they have sparked a renewed wave of political and social momentum. With around 15 million people casting their votes, the message from working men and women across the country is unmistakably clear: the demand for dignity, safety, and fairness at work cannot be ignored.
Italy’s largest trade-union federation, CGIL, sees this as a powerful signal. While acknowledging the outcome does not formally change legislation, CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini called the result “a significant political and social achievement.”
“This is not a moment of celebration,” Landini said, “but it is a demonstration of strength. Millions have made it clear that it’s time to change: to overcome unfair laws and restore value to secure, protected work.”
The five referendum questions addressed urgent and deeply felt issues: combating precarious employment, opposing unjust dismissals, ensuring safety in subcontracted work, and expanding legal protections for the most vulnerable workers. The strong voter response reflects a broad and growing awareness of these challenges across the country.
For CGIL, this moment is not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a renewed mobilization. “This is only one step in a broader journey,” Landini explained. “Change will move forward in factories, across communities, in public debate, and within Parliament.”
The union has pledged to build on the support expressed at the ballot box by pushing forward proposals already submitted to the government and institutions. CGIL is urging all workers to stay engaged, and to continue the collective effort toward a more just and equitable society.
In a political climate where workers' concerns are too often sidelined, 15 million votes serve as a reminder that mobilization matters—and that the fight for rights, protections, and dignity in the workplace is far from over.
Italy’s largest trade-union federation, CGIL, sees this as a powerful signal. While acknowledging the outcome does not formally change legislation, CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini called the result “a significant political and social achievement.”
“This is not a moment of celebration,” Landini said, “but it is a demonstration of strength. Millions have made it clear that it’s time to change: to overcome unfair laws and restore value to secure, protected work.”
The five referendum questions addressed urgent and deeply felt issues: combating precarious employment, opposing unjust dismissals, ensuring safety in subcontracted work, and expanding legal protections for the most vulnerable workers. The strong voter response reflects a broad and growing awareness of these challenges across the country.
For CGIL, this moment is not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a renewed mobilization. “This is only one step in a broader journey,” Landini explained. “Change will move forward in factories, across communities, in public debate, and within Parliament.”
The union has pledged to build on the support expressed at the ballot box by pushing forward proposals already submitted to the government and institutions. CGIL is urging all workers to stay engaged, and to continue the collective effort toward a more just and equitable society.
In a political climate where workers' concerns are too often sidelined, 15 million votes serve as a reminder that mobilization matters—and that the fight for rights, protections, and dignity in the workplace is far from over.
Jun 11, 2025
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