Italy: Industrial relations

Original author: Massimo Pallini
Updating author: Luciano Racchi

See the legal services provided by the author of International > Italy, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

• Workers have the right to form and join a trade union, but cannot be obliged to join one. (See Trade union rights)
• Collective bargaining occurs principally at two levels: national industry-wide agreements and bargaining conducted at company or local level. (See Collective bargaining and agreements)
• Employers with at least 50 employees are obliged to provide them with certain information. (See Informing and consulting employees - general)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to redundancies. (See Informing and consulting prior to redundancies)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to business transfers. (See Informing and consulting prior to transfers)
• "Community-scale" undertakings must, in certain circumstances, establish a body to negotiate with management over the establishment of a European Works Council or an information and consultation procedure. (See European Works Councils)
• Trade unions and groups of unorganised workers have the right to strike in order to protect and promote the interests of working people. (See Strikes and picketing)
• Employers are not entitled to use a lock-out as a direct reaction to a strike. (See Lock-outs)