Italian unions demand safeguards as data centers and AI call centers expand

The UIL Lombardia union warned that abandoning data‑center investments would be a mistake for the Legnano‑Magenta‑Abbiategrasso region, urging a clear industrial strategy that balances competitiveness, environmental protection and job creation. Union coordinator Luigi Tripodi said the projects should generate “real and qualified employment” and called for a regional governance body to set uniform environmental and labour standards.

In La Spezia, the Slc Cgil union raised alarms over the rapid adoption of artificial‑intelligence systems in local call centres that employ about 400 workers. Secretary‑General Laura Scotti and organiser Tiziana Venelli argued that AI must not be used as a pretext for layoffs or precarisation, urging the government to create a permanent dialogue with social partners, provide training and reinforce social safety nets.

Both unions stress that technological innovation should be governed through collective bargaining, transparent planning and strong occupational safeguards to ensure that digital growth benefits workers and local communities.