Welcome, everyone! I am grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by Secretary General Sbarra and the entire CISL team. It is an honor to be here today for several reasons.
Firstly, I wanted to express my deep respect for CISL, a cornerstone of our nation’s labor movement, as it gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary on April 30th. This organization, a bit older than myself, has played a pivotal role in shaping Italy’s labor landscape.
Secondly, I am here to underscore the importance that our Government places on engaging in meaningful dialogues with various stakeholders, including workers, businesses, and local communities. True progress can only be achieved through open, honest discussions, where diverse viewpoints are respected and considered. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in advancing workers’ rights and fostering economic growth in our country.
The third reason for my presence here today is the pivotal moment CISL finds itself in, with the upcoming election of new leadership. This democratic process highlights the vitality and strength of our democracy, something that I deeply value given my long political career.
I must take a moment to acknowledge Secretary General Luigi Sbarra, whose leadership and integrity have guided CISL admirably. His dedication to advocating for workers’ well-being has not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for his candid discussions and principled stance.
Together with CISL, we have tackled pressing issues facing our citizens, particularly in the realm of labor. This Government has prioritized initiatives to support job creation, provide incentives for hiring, and address labor market challenges while safeguarding workers’ rights.
Our efforts have yielded positive results, as evidenced by record employment rates, increased job security, and reduced unemployment levels. We have also focused on enhancing workers’ purchasing power through tax cuts and social security contribution reductions, benefiting millions of workers across the country.
While challenges persist, I am confident that by continuing our collaborative efforts, we can effectively address them and pave the way for a brighter future. Together, we can overcome obstacles and build a stronger, more resilient society.
Embracing Challenges and Building a Better Future
As we navigate through the complexities of modern society, it is evident that challenges are multiplying at a rapid pace. From the looming threat of the ‘demographic winter’ to the disruptive force of artificial intelligence, we are faced with a myriad of obstacles that require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
One of the pressing issues that we must address is the declining birth rates and shifting demographics that are reshaping our social fabric. The sustainability of our social system, the organization of services, and the resilience of the labor market are all at stake. It is imperative that we embrace a new culture around parenthood, one that celebrates the birth of a child as a positive force for our society. Through concrete measures such as extended parental leave and tax relief for working mothers, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for families.
Furthermore, investing in the future means investing in our young people. By equipping them with the necessary skills and ensuring alignment between job seekers and employers, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce. The mismatch between the skills demanded by companies and those possessed by workers is a barrier that must be overcome to foster economic growth and competitiveness.
Additionally, the advent of artificial intelligence poses a significant challenge to our labor market. As we witness the automation of tasks previously performed by humans, it is essential that we reskill and upskill our workforce to adapt to this new reality. Building a labor market that values laborers, technicians, and professionals is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into the era of AI.
Education systems and active labor market policies play a vital role in bridging the gap between skills and job opportunities. By investing in technical-vocational education, career guidance, and ongoing training programs, we can empower workers to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
As we confront these challenges, it is essential to foster collaboration and dialogue between all stakeholders. The Government cannot tackle these issues alone and must seek input from those on the frontlines of the workforce. By fostering a new alliance between employers and employees, based on shared responsibilities and rewards, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Dear Secretary General Sbarra, dear CISL managers and delegates, let us embrace ‘the courage of participation’ as we embark on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable society. By combining subsidiarity and growth, we can rebuild the dynamics between companies and workers, forging a path towards social cohesion and economic prosperity.
Welcome to Our Blog: Supporting Worker Participation Initiative
At our blog, we are excited to discuss the important topic of worker participation in company management. We are proud to announce our support for the bill of popular initiative presented by CISL, which has now become the draft text under discussion in Parliament.
Personally, I want to emphasize that our support for this initiative is not merely symbolic. It is rooted in a deep commitment to the issue of worker participation, which has been a key focus of our economic agenda throughout history. As a government, we have allocated EUR 72 million for 2025 to ensure the success of this initiative and to uphold Article 46 of the Constitution after 77 years. This is a historic moment that holds great significance for both workers and companies, and we are fully dedicated to making it a reality.
Together, we can revitalize the spirit of social mobility and vitality that characterized the post-war era, creating new opportunities for employees and boosting economic growth. With the support of organizations like CISL, we can work towards a brighter future for Italian workers and companies.
As we move forward, I want to express my gratitude to CISL for their unwavering support and dedication to the well-being of Italian workers. Together, we can achieve great things and build a stronger, more prosperous nation for all.
Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more inclusive and participatory future.
[Courtesy translation]
