Italy tourism workers: 71% below poverty line, many on precarious contracts

A Filcams Cgil survey of 6.3 million tertiary‑sector employees shows that more than 71 % of workers in Italy’s tourism industry earn below the statutory poverty threshold. Overall, 47.5 % of all tertiary workers earn less than €15,000 annually, with the share rising to 81 % in the South. The study also highlights gender gaps, with 75.3 % of women in tourism classified as “working poor” versus 66.7 % of men.

The union’s national campaign visited Maratea in Basilicata, where Filcams Cgil representatives met seasonal staff in hotels, restaurants and beach facilities. Organisers emphasized the need for regular employment, decent wages, safety and full application of collective contracts, distributing information on rights such as overtime pay, holiday entitlements and workplace protection.