Legacoop Biennale in Milan focuses on social economy and labor pacts

At the Biennale of the Cooperative Economy in Milan, celebrating 140 years of Legacoop, leaders from cooperatives, unions, and the Italian government discussed economic growth and social cohesion. Legacoop President Simone Gamberini proposed a new ‘Pact for Italy’ to unite institutions, businesses, and civil society to address challenges like housing, healthcare, and the energy transition.

Labor leaders engaged in dialogue regarding wages and job security. CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini called for the elimination of ‘pirate contracts’ and emphasized the need to protect purchasing power and improve workplace safety. Cisl General Secretary Daniela Fumarola advocated for tax relief on thirteenth-month salaries and pension indexing to combat inflation.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the cooperative model, announcing intentions to implement a national plan for the social economy. This plan aims to strengthen governance, improve access to credit, and promote social procurement. Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Labor Claudio Durigon noted that while Italy’s employment rate has reached a record 63%, further measures are needed for generational renewal and to address rising energy costs.