Sicilian unions demand action on cost of living and wage delays

Labor unions in Sicily are calling for urgent government intervention to address rising living costs and wage instability. Alfio Mannino, General Secretary of CGIL Sicilia, has proposed a series of measures to the regional government to combat inflation and energy emergencies. These include creating a permanent regional fund for low-income households, providing extraordinary contributions for commuters, and enhancing essential services like healthcare and education.

Mannino suggested that funding could be bolstered by increasing taxes on local companies, specifically those in the petroleum sector, utilizing provisions in the Sicilian Statute. Additionally, the union is requesting a reduction or elimination of the regional Irpef surcharge for individuals with an Isee below 40,000 euros to alleviate the financial burden on workers and pensioners.

Simultaneously, Uil Sicilia and UilTemp Sicilia have reported severe delays in salary payments for approximately 100 agency workers at the Sicilian transport company Ast. Union leaders Emanuele Ronzoni and Danilo Borrelli warned that the financial instability of Ast has led the Attal Group to threaten contract termination, which could cause significant disruptions for students and commuters. The unions are demanding that the regional government rescue the company to ensure regular payments and service continuity.