Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
Italian bank unions seek shorter hours and stronger welfare protections
Negotiations have resumed on a new national contract for bank workers in Italy, whose previous contract expired on March 31.
A meeting between the banking employers’ group Abi and unions focused on welfare and workplace wellbeing.
The unions want the working week reduced from 37 hours to 35, with no cut in pay, and are seeking an average monthly pay rise of €518.
They argue that productivity gains from new technology should support workers and help protect jobs, not lead to staff cuts.
They also want stronger and more consistent employer contributions to pensions and welfare, including protections that carry over when workers move between companies.
The unions say workplace welfare differs widely between banks and want it to provide broader protection, not only individual benefits.
They have also proposed regular workplace surveys, agreed with unions, to monitor staff wellbeing.
Italian banking unions are seeking a reduction in weekly working hours from 37 to 35 with no cut in pay.
The proposal is part of negotiations to renew the national banking contract, which expired on March 31.
The unions link shorter hours to productivity gains from technology and say those gains should help protect jobs, not lead to workforce cuts.
They are also seeking an average monthly pay increase of €518 and stronger, more consistent welfare and pension protections.
The unions want regular workplace climate surveys to monitor employee wellbeing.
- Who
- The banking unions Fabi, First, Fisac, Uilca and Unisin, and the ABI’s Casl.
- What
- They are negotiating a renewed national contract, with unions seeking shorter hours, higher pay and stronger welfare protections.
- When
- The negotiations resumed on the morning of October 12, 2026. The contract expired on March 31.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The unions say technology-driven efficiency should support wellbeing and protect jobs, while contract provisions should strengthen workers’ security and welfare.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The unions secured a reduction in working hours from 37.5 to 37 hours.
The national banking contract expired.
Negotiations resumed with a meeting on welfare and organisational wellbeing.
- Working hours sought
- 35 hours, with no reduction in pay
- Average monthly pay increase sought
- €518
- Contract expiry
- March 31
- Unions
- Fabi, First, Fisac, Uilca and Unisin
- Employer association negotiating body
- ABI’s Casl
Sources
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