The most representative trade union confederations are: the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Trade Unions (CISL) and the Italian Labour Union (UIL). In addition to the confederations mentioned, there are other trade unions defined as ‘autonomous’.
The confederated trade union organisations are grouped into separate federations on a national, regional and local basis. The national-level industry unions conclude the collective national labour agreements that apply to all workers employed in a particular sector, whether or not they are union members.
Workers are not obliged to join a trade union but, if they decide to do so, they must join the national federation representing the category for the manufacturing sector in which they are employed. There are two ways to join a trade union:
- a) authorising your employer to take a monthly sum equal to about 1% of your gross monthly salary (which your employer will then pay to the relevant trade union organisation);
- b) paying a fee directly to the trade union at the time of registration.
Trade unions also offer other types of service: legal assistance in disputes with employers, assistance with social security matters and assistance with tax matters.
In the workplace (for companies with more than 15 employees), a unitary trade union delegation (RSU) is set up by means of a democratic electoral mechanism. This is an expression of the unanimous will of the workers (on an elective basis) and can negotiate conditions under which work is carried out with company management, as well as all work-related aspects. The delegation is also tasked with discussing the decisions of the external union organisations with the workers and has a duty to participate in committees and commissions set up in the workplace by agreement between workers’ organisations and management to manage various aspects of the business jointly.