Italian school unions warn of teacher shortages and job instability

Italian labor unions, including Uil Scuola and Cisl Scuola, are raising alarms regarding staffing shortages and high levels of precarious employment as the new school year begins. In the regions of Rimini, Forlì, and Cesena, significant delays in assigning substitute teachers have left numerous classrooms without instructors, threatening educational continuity for students.

Data indicates a high rate of temporary contracts compared to permanent roles. Approximately 2,192 fixed-term contracts have been signed via provincial supply rankings, while only 470 new permanent appointments were made. Unions have highlighted critical shortages in elementary schools and special education support, noting that drastic reductions in municipal hours for support educators have exacerbated the situation.

Union representatives are calling for urgent administrative action to accelerate teacher assignments and are advocating for structural changes, such as abolishing hiring limits and implementing dual recruitment channels, to reduce reliance on temporary labor and ensure stability within the school system.