“In Italy we celebrate work, as the basis of democracy and a means of personal fulfillment, but people continue to die to bring home a piece of bread. It is unbearable and unacceptable.” Thus Antonio Santonocito, provincial secretary of Confsal Catania. “Although approximately 110 years have passed since the establishment of Labor Day on May 1st, there is still a need to highlight fundamental issues for workers. Even if these events are sometimes celebrated a little wearily, due to the repetitiveness and standardized rituals “. According to the national Confsal, which has called a demonstration for May 1st in Naples, dignity at work depends on some priorities: more health and safety, more pay equity, more development and employment. “Unfortunately, objectives remain to be achieved, often sacrificed on the altar of productivity, efficiency and savings”, says Santonocito. Safety, he observes, is the most urgent issue. “Every day we see announcements of deaths at work. Often for a low-paid, as well as precarious, job.”
Hence the importance of fighting for adequate working conditions. “National collective agreements are often not respected. In many cases, pirate contracts are applied, which are not recognized by the CNEL because they provide lower wages than they should.” The risks of subcontracted work should not be underestimated, adds the secretary of Confsal Catania. “Whoever gives up ‘pieces’ of contracts must earn something. Whoever actually has to carry out the work, in order to cover the costs, saves on materials, safety and hourly wages.” Issues in front of which the union has not remained idle. “In recent months we have spent ourselves fully, both in the demonstrations of the various categories and in various meetings with the Government. These issues, in any case, remain the basis of our daily commitment. We hope for a May 1st of true commitment, so that the work does not it is just a way of bringing the salary home but a condition of development, commitment, fulfillment of the person in safety and in compliance with the rules. There is still a tomorrow to conquer”.
