Food sector: Peroni and Galbani increase staff bonuses

In the last few hours, two important supplementary agreements for the food sector have been signed; these not only provide for a substantial performance-related bonus, but also improve worker protections, set out stricter rules for procurement and enhance training.

The first is at Birra Peroni, where the trade unions – Fai, Flai and Uila – have renewed the agreement for the period 2026–2029, signed at Unindustria, providing for a profit-sharing bonus which will reach €3,135 in 2029, with an increase of €280 when fully implemented, whilst the value of meal vouchers will be increased by €2 during the term of the agreement. Furthermore, the percentage increase (from 10 per cent to 18 per cent) in the value of the bonus portion converted into welfare benefits has been improved. The second is Galbani Big Lactalis, which has also reached an agreement covering a four-year period. In this case, significant changes have been introduced from both a financial and regulatory perspective: the value of the variable production bonus has been increased by €250, bringing the bonus to €2,880 per annum once fully implemented, for a total of €10,895 over the four-year period. Pay rates at the sites have also been updated.

In the Peroni supplementary agreement, as explained in a joint statement by Fai Cisl, Flai Cgil and Uila Uil, the agreement marks a number of important regulatory achievements. These include, for example, the recognition of ‘tuta time’, as well as the central role played by the RSU and the National Coordination Committee in contractual matters, and the revitalisation of the National Select Committee and the bilateral technical committees on issues such as safety, training and skills. Measures relating to housing support and local welfare are also significant. As part of a participatory model, particular attention has also been paid to environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability, digitalisation and AI, within a participatory framework based on continuous and constructive dialogue, whilst respecting workers’ rights, safety and sustainable development.

Improvements have been introduced regarding procurement and contracts in the relevant sector by contracting firms, with additional safeguards for workers in terms of maintaining economic and regulatory conditions in the event of a change in contract. The role of the Trusted Adviser on gender-based discrimination and harassment has been introduced, and special leave for the enrolment of children has been extended to cover nursery schools.

The agreement reaffirms the Group’s focus and commitment to supporting vocational training, providing for at least a further four hours of individual training per year, in addition to the training required by law. Furthermore, the agreement reinforces the Peroni Group’s commitment to health, safety and wellbeing. Training is also a focus of the Galbani Big Lactalis supplementary agreement: the agreement stipulates that every employee must undertake at least 8 hours of training courses to update their skills. In the dairy group’s supplementary agreement, from a regulatory perspective, the industrial relations framework has been strengthened by increasing the rights of the Trade Union Coordination Committee and the Single Union Representative (RSU) to information and consultation on issues such as investments in Artificial Intelligence. In addition, a select committee has been established to facilitate timely and proactive national dialogue on the Group’s strategies. Employment stabilisation measures at site level have been confirmed, whilst several new provisions have been introduced to improve the management of contracts, health and safety, sustainability, the prevention of workplace bullying and professional development.