Italy launches construction welfare bonus and expands union talks on labor safety

The Italian government has activated the “Bonus Casa 2026”, a one‑off €500 contribution for construction workers to cover rent or mortgage payments. Funded with €7.5 million, the scheme will support about 15,000 workers and applications open online from 19:00 on 16 September 2026. In Potenza, the new catering contract for the San Carlo hospital will retain 106 workers, but unions warn that the “cook‑and‑chill” system will increase travel distances and costs for staff. A three‑hour meeting in Lamezia between the regional Democratic Party group and the CGIL, CISL and UIL unions examined health, precarious employment, infrastructure and criticised the regional government’s narrative. In Trenzano, 40‑year‑old construction worker Maurizio Trenta died of a malore during a heat‑wave; prosecutors opened a culpable‑homicide inquiry and unions called for stronger site‑safety measures. Giuseppe Carta, president of Sicily’s IV Commission, announced a post‑Ferragosto hearing on the proposed Iblei National Park to assess economic and social impacts and to ensure local communities are not harmed. In Latina, CGIL, CISL and UIL denounced the regional labour inspectorate’s refusal to sign a health‑and‑safety protocol as a grave step back for worker protection. The temporary closure of the Picerno post office forced users to wait outdoors; the municipality pledged benches, shade structures and civil‑protection assistance. CISL in Verbania protested the closure of ambulatory and home‑care services at the Sacra Famiglia foundation, urging a negotiation table. The Marche region and the three main trade‑union confederations signed a 2026‑2030 protocol establishing a permanent regional health‑care board to tackle waiting lists, emergency services and staffing. Cooperative central bodies in Rimini affirmed that contracts for home‑care services are being respected and are working on further improvements pending regional funding.