Minimum hourly wage of at least 9 euros for all workers in Italy

03-02-2025,  the City Council approved two key proposals aimed at establishing a minimum wage. One, presented by Andrea Russi, calls on the Administration to urge Parliament to pass appropriate legislation on a national minimum wage. The second, introduced by Claudio Cerrato, seeks to set a minimum hourly wage for workers employed by companies contracted by the Municipality of Turin.

The first measure, spearheaded by 5 Star Movement leader Andrea Russi, passed with 24 votes in favor and 2 abstentions. It urges the Mayor and Council to advocate for the scheduling of a popular initiative bill, titled Provisions for the Establishment of the Minimum Wage, filed on April 30, 2024, with the Supreme Court of Cassation. The goal is to expedite the passage of legislation on the minimum wage.

The document also calls on the Mayor and Council to support measures ensuring a fair hourly wage for both public and private sector workers. It encourages institutional discussions with political representatives, associations, trade unions, and businesses to highlight the importance of approving such a law.

Meanwhile, Claudio Cerrato’s motion, backed by the Democratic Party, commits the Municipality to include a mandatory clause in all future contracts, requiring companies awarded municipal contracts to provide workers with a minimum wage of at least 9 euros gross per hour. The compliance of this requirement will be verified by the most representative trade union organizations.

Presenting the motion, Cerrato emphasized that the proposal aligns with Article 36 of the Italian Constitution, which states: “Workers have the right to remuneration proportional to the quantity and quality of their work, and sufficient to guarantee them and their families a free and dignified existence.” He added that establishing a minimum wage, already adopted by 22 out of 27 European countries, would improve living standards for lower-income workers, stimulate the local economy, and reduce economic inequality.

The motion was unanimously approved, with amendments from Emanuele Busconi and Andrea Russi. Busconi’s amendment calls for a prompt review of contract protocols with trade unions to align them with the new legislation. It also proposes evaluation criteria that reward adherence to the minimum wage requirement and fair remuneration practices.

Busconi further suggested including social clause agreements, as per Article 57 of the Public Contracts Code, in future contracts. Violations of these agreements would be considered breaches of contract.

Russi’s amendment directs the Mayor and Council to guide municipal representatives in public entities and companies owned by the Municipality of Turin to support and promote the introduction of a minimum hourly wage of at least 9 euros for all workers involved in their contracts.

(ML) Press Office, City Council