Politics · Italy · 4 hrs ago
About 6,000 Italian public research workers face job losses
Temporary public research workers protested in Rome against Italy’s government budget, which does not provide funds to make their jobs permanent.
The protest involved staff from public research bodies including the CNR, Italy’s largest public research centre, and the National Institute of Nuclear Physics.
About 6,000 of 25,000 staff are on temporary contracts, and protesters say many could lose their jobs.
A law that allows eligible workers to be made permanent is due to expire on 31 December 2026, unless the government extends it.
Making their jobs permanent would cost about €300 million, according to protesters.
The budget also plans a 25% cut to funds available for staff turnover, which the CGIL union says would mean fewer hires and fewer permanent appointments.
The government’s next decision on extending the law could determine whether eligible staff keep a route to stable work.
About 6,000 temporary workers at Italy’s public research institutions face possible job losses, according to researchers at a protest in Rome.
They say the government’s budget plan provides no funding for stabilising their jobs.
The protesters warn that a law allowing eligible workers to obtain permanent positions is due to expire on 31 December 2026.
They estimate that stabilising the workers would require about €300 million.
The article also reports a planned 25% cut to funds available for staff turnover.
- Who
- About 6,000 temporary workers at Italy’s public research institutions are at risk. Researchers and other staff took part in the protest.
- What
- They protested over the lack of funding to make temporary jobs permanent and the risk of job losses.
- When
- The protest took place on 11 November 2026, one year after the previous national demonstration. The relevant law is due to expire on 31 December 2026.
- Where
- At Montecitorio in Rome.
- Why
- Protesters say the government’s budget plan does not provide funds to stabilise their jobs, and the law allowing eligible workers to be stabilised is nearing expiry.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Temporary researchers held their previous national demonstration.
Temporary public research workers protested at Montecitorio in Rome.
The deadline for procedures under Article 20 of the Madia law is due to expire.
- Workers at risk
- About 6,000
- Public research workforce
- About 25,000 employees
- Estimated cost to stabilise workers
- About €300 million
- Madia law deadline
- 31 December 2026
- Staff turnover funding
- Planned cut of 25%
What people are saying
The government always finds money for weapons; there is never a limit on funds. For our hiring and research, though, never.
The temporary workers are at least six thousand out of about 25,000 employees in total.
An odious cut, which means fewer hires, therefore fewer stabilisations, and fewer career opportunities for established staff, starting with researchers and technologists.
I returned to Italy from Malta.