Calls for Italy to introduce a minimum
age grew louder on Tuesday after the European Commission said
that a political agreement had been reached between the European
Parliament and the EU Member States on its proposed directive on
this issue.
The directive establishes a framework for the adequacy of
statutory minimum wages in member states that have them and
promotes collective bargaining on wage setting.
However, it does not oblige States to introduce a minimum wage.
"The new rules on minimum wages will protect the dignity of work
and make sure that work pays," said European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen.
"All of this will be done in full respect of national traditions
and social partners' autonomy."
Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner Nicolas Schmit stressed at a
press conference that "we will not impose a minimum wage on
Italy".
A number of bills have been presented to the Italian parliament
to introduce a minimum wage, including two for a minimum wage of
at least nine euros an hour for people whose jobs are not
covered by collective-bargaining contracts.
"I am highly confident that the Italian government and the
social partners will reach a good agreement to strengthen
collective bargaining, especially for the less well protected,
and, in the end, they will come to the conclusion that it could
be important to introduce a minimum-wage system in Italy.
"But it is down to the Italian government and the social
partners to do it".
Agriculture Minister Stefano Patuanelli, a leading member of the
5-Star Movement, said a law for a minimum wage in Italy should
be approved before the end the current parliamentary term next
year.
Peppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party (PD) said via Twitter
that, according to the Constitution, Italy is a republic
"founded on labour" and, therefore, "cannot lag" on this issue.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said the EU had reached an
"historic deal" and his 5-Star Movement (M5S), which he formerly
led, would work to achieve a deal in the Italian parliament so
that a "dignified law for those workers who keep the country
moving can be framed".
He said "now the minimum wage must become a reality in Italy
where there are still millions of Italians getting wages under
nine euros an hour".
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