Italy: dialogue resumes between Confindustria and the trade unions, opening the door for the renewal of several important collective agreements

On 07 September, and for the first time since May, Carlo Bonomi, president of the employers' organization Confindustria, met with the general secretaries of the trade unions Cgil, Cisl, and Uil, thereby marking an easing in social relations, following several difficult months. Since his election as head of Confindustria, Mr. Bonomi has repeatedly issued statements that seem to call the Italian collective bargaining model into question and suggest in particular that company agreements should address topics traditionally taken into account in national collective agreements (c.f. article No. 11912). In fact, negotiations over the renewal of several major national collective agreements have stalled or been blocked. This latest meeting has sent a signal of conciliation, which could lead to a resumption of dialogue in various sectors.