Italian Parliament proposes law to recognize railway work as arduous

A bill to recognise the railway sector’s jobs as "usurante" – physically demanding and hazardous – was presented to the Chamber of Deputies. The proposal, titled “Disposizioni per il riconoscimento del carattere usurante delle mansioni del personale viaggiante e di macchina impiegato nei servizi ferroviari”, is sponsored by Deputies Enzo Amich and Silvio Giovine.

Lawmakers highlighted the high‑stress conditions faced by drivers, conductors and other railway staff – long turn‑arounds, operational isolation, responsibility for safety and continuous psychological pressure. Walter Rizzetto, president of the parliamentary Labor Commission, called for updating the definition of arduous work to reflect modern duties, while Salvatore Deidda, head of the Transport Commission, stressed that the issue extends to the whole transport system. The bill would grant railway workers the same protections and pension benefits afforded to other recognised arduous occupations, even where night‑work is not required, aiming to improve occupational health, safety and the quality of public transport.