Italy emphasizes fair wages and employment stability in new labor policies

Italian Labor Minister Marina Elvira Calderone has outlined the government’s vision for labor policies, emphasizing a shift away from subsidies toward active employment. During an event hosted by Forza Italia, Calderone highlighted the transition from the ‘Reddito di Cittadinanza’ to new tools such as the ‘Assegno di Inclusione’ and ‘Supporto per la formazione e il lavoro.’ The government aims to ensure that work, rather than subsidies, serves as the primary driver of social progress.

Central to this strategy is the ‘Decreto Primo Maggio’ (Decree Law 62/2026), which defines a ‘fair wage’ based on the economic treatments guaranteed by the most representative national collective bargaining agreements. Calderone noted that Italy maintains a high level of contractual coverage, reaching nearly 97%, and stated that the executive intends to support timely contract renewals to protect purchasing power against inflation.

At the local level in Livorno, municipal labor policies are focusing on quality employment and stability. The administration, led by Mayor Luca Salvetti, has promoted a ‘Manifesto del Lavoro Buono’ (Good Work Manifesto) to combine economic growth with job security and dignity. Local efforts include combating precarious employment through stabilization paths and addressing ‘working poverty’ by ensuring minimum wage thresholds through municipal financial commitments.