Business · Companies · 49 mins ago
Italian bank contract talks face uncertainty over proposed bank tax
Italian banks and unions are negotiating a renewed national contract covering more than 260,000 bank workers.
The contract expired in March, and unions are seeking a pay rise of 518 euros for the average reference grade.
Uncertainty over a government contribution from banks is complicating talks, alongside major deals and restructuring across the sector.
The banks’ association says it needs a clearer picture of the sector before assessing the unions’ proposals, while unions say workers helped deliver recent record results and should share in the gains.
A worker- and bank-funded employment fund has helped more than 40,000 young people enter banking since it was created.
Unions oppose shifting costs that they say should be paid by banking groups onto that fund, but are open to a broader employment plan.
The next meeting is scheduled for 19 November, when the parties are also due to discuss an employment protocol and are expected by unions to make faster progress.
Talks to renew Italy’s banking contract are clouded by uncertainty over a proposed bank contribution in the government’s budget plan and by major restructuring deals.
The contract covers more than 260,000 bank workers and expired in March.
Unions are seeking a €518 increase at the reference average level.
The banking association’s labor committee is continuing to examine the unions’ proposals, with the next meeting scheduled for 19 November.
Union leaders say workers need timely answers about restructuring and reject shifting banks’ employment costs onto a fund for new hires.
- Who
- The Italian Banking Association (Abi) and unions Fabi, First, Fisac, Uilca and Unisin.
- What
- They are negotiating renewal of the banking-sector contract amid uncertainty over a proposed bank contribution and restructuring deals.
- When
- The contract expired in March. The next meeting is scheduled for 19 November; the article was published on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The contract renewal is being negotiated, but the budget plan and extraordinary banking operations are creating uncertainty over the sector’s outlook.
Abi
Banking unions
Budget contribution
Abi
Abi cites the government’s introduction of a new contribution on banks in the budget law to explain the delay in negotiations.
Banking unions
Unions say the contribution should not be used to delay the contract renewal.
Worker pay
Abi
Abi says a full assessment of the union platform, including its economic demands, requires a clear view of the banking sector’s circumstances.
Banking unions
Unions seek a €518 increase at the reference average level and say workers helped deliver banks’ recent record results.
Employment fund
Abi
Not stated.
Banking unions
Unions reject transferring costs that belong to banking groups onto the fund, which supports employment.
The banking-sector contract expired.
Il Sole 24 Ore reported that Abi and the unions were discussing renewal amid uncertainty over the bank contribution and restructuring deals.
The next contract talks meeting is scheduled.
- Workers covered
- More than 260,000
- Contract expired
- March
- Union pay demand
- €518 increase at the reference average level
- Next meeting
- 19 November
- Employment fund
- Supported the entry of more than 40,000 young people into banking jobs
What people are saying
to reach the conclusion of the national contract renewal, Abi’s Casl must take the mandate to address and define all the outstanding issues
what matters above all is how we reach the signing and what results we achieve for bank workers
We expect an acceleration from the next meeting, scheduled for 19 November.
This is not respectful of women and men workers who were decisive in achieving the record results of recent years