The summit on the minimum wage between the government and the opposition has reached a dead end. This is not surprising, given that attitudes on the subject have become clear in recent weeks to be distant and aloof. The majority, especially Meloni, believe that in order to increase wages it is necessary, above all, to aim at extending collective agreements that provide very low wages. Therefore, there is no minimum threshold to be determined by law. The proposal submitted by the opposition forces (with the exception of Italia Viva) instead stipulates that the “minimum hourly salary defined by the national collective bargaining agreement” should be specified in a bill in black and white and “cannot be less than 9 euros”. gross”. A threshold of 9 euros, which, according to the signatories, should be understood as a kind of lifesaver and should only be applied if the national collective agreement provides for a lower minimum wage.
Meloni’s suggestion
After the oppressive amendment to the text submitted to the Assembly by the majority, Meloni, somewhat surprisingly, was brought up for discussion in the Parliament with the parties supporting the proposal. But there was no real rapprochement. The prime minister said he was “gratified by the discussion”, which was “respectful and constructive”, and explained in a letter to Corsera that “there is now a common basis to begin with” because “we all share the purpose”. protecting workers and ending a very long period of low wages today “cut” by inflation.
But at the same time, he pointed out that “there are differences in the path to reach the goal,” and “I have reiterated for myself that the best way to increase incomes is the way of a growing nation again”.
“I suggested to the opposition,” added the prime minister, “that they start a serious confrontation at the forum set up by the constitution for this, namely the Cnel (or the National Economy and Labor Council, ed.).” Concluding with a concrete proposal not only on minimum wage but also on ‘bad work’ in 60 days, With this method and with a certain roadmap, a draft law can be brought before the budget law, based on real data, able to really respond to job seekers and business owners, an effective text, but not enough for a dignified life”.
The prime minister therefore plans to consult with the advisory body, which deals with economic and social legislation. 5 Stars calls it an attempt to “kick the ball into the stands”. Meloni actually admits that the law in the centre-right’s mind is on “poor work”, not “minimum wage”, so he claims – in the same letter – that he has no “ideological constraints”. “it is only a duty-appropriate concern not to interfere with such a sensitive issue without making sure we have weighed all the pros and cons”. On the other hand, the prime minister observes that “many union forces and many labor experts have doubts” about the minimum wage.
distant places
What about the bill that is being discussed in the parliament? In fact, everything is frozen. I’m waiting for Cnel’s opinion. And a new conflict between the majority and the opposition. However, the positions are still far away and the centre-right has never taken a positive view of the opportunity to set a minimum threshold by law, and continues to reiterate that to raise salaries we need to focus on growth and where the distortions are. The way forward is collective bargaining. But even on this front there is no real offer from the centre-right. Everything is sent back to Cnel, but the impression is that the way to reach the minimum wage is completely uphill.
So much so that dissenters cite a fruitless negotiation, and the 5 Stars announce “a collection of signatures that will encourage a petition to our design.” According to Tommaso Foti, group leader of the Italian Brotherhood in the House of Representatives, the majority instead “has the right to hurry and find a common proposal. I believe it would be appropriate to invest in Cnel, a constitutional body composed of representatives of all categories.” , is the right way. Now let’s leave Cnel unconditional. We have the will to fully comply with the sixty-day deadline that Parliament has set for it”.
Continue reading today…
Source: Today IT
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
