Banking sector: ABI calls a meeting with the trade unions to discuss the collective agreement framework
On 16 July, the parties will meet in Rome for the presentation of the document calling for a pay rise of 518 euros
Abi has called a meeting with the banking unions for 16 July, the day after the association’s general meeting on 15 July, to present the proposals for the renewal of the national collective labour agreement, which was renewed on 23 November 2023 and expired last March. The meeting will also serve to continue the work of the steering group on digitalisation.
On the trade unions’ platform for the renewal of the collective agreement, the meetings – which have seen very high turnout and received the document very positively – are drawing to a close in the coming days. Fabi, First Cisl, Fisac Cgil, Uilca and Unisin have called for a pay rise of 518 euros per month for the benchmark role, and a reduction in the working week to 35 hours, down from the current 37 – a reduction already achieved in the last renewal. Furthermore, still on the financial front, they are calling for meal vouchers to be increased to 10 euro.
With regard to employment classifications, the platform calls for “the expansion of the scope of the collective agreement and the introduction of clear limits on activities that can be contracted out, to prevent unequal treatment of workers employed within the same companies”, the unions explain in a joint statement. Particular attention is paid to the issues of work organisation and corporate restructuring.
On the issue of pressure, the trade unions are calling for closer consultation with trade union organisations to address workload, staff shortages and management practices – which are often characterised by a lack of transparency – all of which have a negative impact on both working conditions and the quality of customer service. Furthermore, the trade unions are calling for further action on commercial policies, with stricter regulations to counter the undue pressure that continues to be a critical issue for the sector.
As regards digital transformation – a key focus of the ABI steering group – there is a strong emphasis on safeguarding jobs. There are plans for joint management with the trade unions of processes relating to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, which must serve to support work rather than replace people, who remain central to banking activities.
