Messina municipal workers protest unpaid wages and contract delays

More than a thousand employees of Messina's public Social City company have not received their regular salaries or the 14th‑month payment, triggering growing discontent. Councilor Libero Giovani of Fratelli d’Italia demanded an explanation from Mayor Basile, noting that the municipal budget approved in February should prevent cash‑flow problems. Giovani said he will bring the issue before the city council’s competent commission and will revive a proposal to shift workers from cooperative contracts to those of local public entities.

At the same time, dozens of municipal and Metropolitan City staff gathered under the Cisl FP banner. Union secretary Giovanna Bicchieri criticised the disparity between bonuses for senior officials and the lack of recognition for rank‑and‑file workers. She highlighted that a planned vertical progression for employees in 2026 had been halted despite €7 million set aside for staff reductions, raising concerns over management incentives versus worker compensation.

Both protests underscore a broader dispute over pay, contract terms and labour‑rights within Messina’s local administration.