Italian unions win talks on pensions

The Italian government unexpectedly invited unions to talks on pensions last month after between one and a half and a million people marched through Rome against its plans. However, the unions were maintaining a tough stance on the issue.

The march on pensions on 6 December was organised jointly by the three union confederations, CGIL, CISL and UIL, who have been able to unite on this issue, despite their divisions elsewhere. It follows a four-hour general strike, also organised by the three confederations, on 24 October.

The unions are protesting against the government's plans to increase the length of service necessary for a full pension from 35 years to 40. Speaking to the demonstrators, Gugliemo Epfani, general secretary of CGIL, called on the government to reflect on its plans. "If it wants to continue, the protest will grow and spread," he said.

Before the talks began union leaders said they were unwilling to enter into detailed negotiations on the government's proposals as they want the government to adopt a completely new approach. Whether this will emerge was still unclear as Labour Research went to press.