Italian municipalities clash over beach accessibility and job safeguards

In Messina, councilor Libero Giovani of Fratelli d'Italia criticised the municipal administration for failing to procure wheelchair‑accessible beach chairs (sedie JOB) despite repeated requests from disabled users. He called the delay “inaccettabile l'assenza di sedie JOB a luglio inoltrato” and urged that the purchase be completed within a week so that beaches can accommodate people with reduced mobility.

In Laigueglia, the Ligurian Beach Workers Union (FIPE Confcommercio) demanded that the town correct its summer concession tender, arguing that the omission of the regional criterion guaranteeing re‑employment of existing beach staff undermines job security and distorts competition. The union stated that “il criterio relativo al mantenimento dei livelli occupazionali… non è un elemento accessorio” and called for a revision of the tender wording to protect workers.

Both cases highlight local disputes over beach management policies, accessibility for disabled persons, and employment protections for beach staff in Italy.