In Italy, it is only possible to dismiss a worker for ‘just’ cause or specified grounds; if a worker is challenging the legality of the dismissal, he or she may take the employer to court to obtain compensation for any financial loss sustained.
If workers consider that their employer is not respecting their contractual and trade union rights, they may turn to a trade union organisation or a lawyer to resolve the situation and, where appropriate, obtain compensation for any financial loss sustained. In both cases, the first course of action is to attempt conciliation (a form of mutually satisfactory agreement between the parties). If this avenue proves impracticable, the employee may file a case against the employer (with the aid of a lawyer hired personally or by the trade union) before an employment judge, who will settle the dispute.