Italian courts rule on healthcare worker rights and working conditions

The Italian judiciary has issued significant rulings regarding the rights and working environments of healthcare professionals.

The Court of Cassation upheld the right of a socio-sanitary operator (OSS) to receive economic differentials for performing duties above her official classification. The ruling confirmed that university hospital staff integrated into healthcare structures are entitled to salary differences based on the higher-level role performed, regardless of individual economic positions.

In a separate decision, the Milan Court ruled in favor of a group of cardiology nurses at Niguarda Hospital. The court found that the staff had worked in harmful and stressful environments since 2021 due to severe staffing shortages and organizational failures. The ruling mandates that the hospital provide compensation for damages and implement organizational measures to ensure adequate staffing levels and mandatory rest periods.