Italian trade unions denounced the unelected and undemocratic government’s financial austerity plans today, days before they are revealed.
Unions are particularly galled that banker Premier Mario Monti, in his rush to reassure currency speculators about Italy’s ability to rein in its debt and spur growth, is doing away with the usual negotiations with them over any change to labour regulations or pensions.
Susanna Camusso, head of Italy’s largest labour confederation CGIL, today demanded a meeting with the government before the Cabinet clears any new measures.
Reports suggest that Mr Monti’s plan includes a proposal to add add at least one year to the 40 years now required in tax contributions before a worker is entitled to retire.
“The government must know that 40 is the magic, untouchable number,” Ms Camusso warned.
In the past unions have frequently blocked major changes in Italy’s pension system.
Mr Monti’s office issued a statement late on Thursday that he will meet various segments of society including unions, the major industrial lobby and local government on Sunday morning “with a goal of illustrating the guiding principles of the measures that will be adopted by the Cabinet on Monday.”
The president claimed in Brussels that time constraints and the “extraordinary delicate situation” Italy is struggling through doesn’t allow for “certain rituals that might be welcome by everyone, but perhaps aren’t advantageous to the country.”
Mr Monti said that his Cabinet would approve a package of spending cuts to slash debt and structural reforms to spur growth.
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