Embassy staff meeting

The CGIL, CISL and UIL trade unions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have negotiated a new agreement covering staff at embassies, consulates and other international organisations in Italy. The agreement has several new features pay increases, the system of seniority and increased meal vouchers, along with a reduction in working hours to 36 hours a week. The agreement includes rules to ensure working conditions are in line with legislation related to workers suffering from cancer and chronic diseases and to the extension of rights for workers in same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.

(June 2017) Embassy, tourist office and other international staff around the world are taking strike action to secure pay rises and end a long-term pay freeze that has seen wages in some countries fall to below national minima. Unions are looking for a 20% pay increase, arguing that in some countries inflation has meant a 40% loss of purchasing power for some workers. Action has taken place or is planned in several countries including Canada, Sweden, the United States and Argentina.

(March 2017) The three main confederations - CGIL, CISL and UIL - have negotiated a new labour agreement that covers employees of embassies, consulates, legations, cultural institutes and other international organisations in Italy. The agreement runs for three years (2017-2019) and includes a 3.6% pay increase as well as a new mandatory payment by employers to the FIS Fund which provides benefits in the case of losing a job or having a cut in hours.