Rome: The leader of Italy’s largest labour union, CGIL, Maurizio Landini, has urged the government to initiate fresh discussions following a massive demonstration involving 500,000 participants across the country. The protest, held on Friday, was a part of a general strike organized by CGIL in conjunction with UIL, opposing the government’s proposed 2025 budget bill.
According to Ansa News Agency, Landini emphasized the importance of government response to the widespread demonstration during his remarks at the Green and Left Alliance assembly in Chianciano, Tuscany. He stressed the need for increased healthcare spending and advocated for tax reforms to support necessary investments.
Landini called explicitly for the cabinet to reconvene talks on the budget law and urged business leaders to negotiate the renewal of workers’ contracts. The strike was a joint effort with UIL, while the third major union, CSIL, did not participate.
The unions reported that over 70% of workers in both public and private sector
s joined the strike, which aimed to push for higher wages and pensions, as well as increased funding for healthcare, education, public services, and industrial policy investments.
