The Italian unions Filctem-Cgil, Femca-Cisl, and Uiltec-Uil have recently defined their set of demands for the upcoming renewal negotiations of the national employment contract for those working in the pen and brush production industry, set to expire on December 31st. The established platform will be sent to the business associations, Assoscrittura and Assospazzole, to allow for an immediate start of the negotiations.
The unions have requested a monthly gross rise of 230.00 euros in total wages for the period 2026-2028. For workers in companies that do not enforce second-level negotiations, the unions are seeking an increase of 120.00 euros, raising the current 330.00 euros to 450.00 euros per year.
Relating to contractual welfare, they demand an increase in company contributions to the Previmoda pension fund to 2.5% and an increase to 18.00 euros in the company’s contribution to the Sanimoda health fund. The unions have also asked for percentage increases in bonuses for different varieties of overtime work and shift work (3%).
Concerning work-life balance, the unions ask to increase from 3 to 7 the number of paid leave days for children’s admission to the hospital, raising the age for using this leave to 18 years, and including stepchildren. They request increased paternity leave days more than the current legal provision, the ability to use parental leave in fractions, even by the hour, and paid time off for medical appointments. They also need guidelines to combat workplace violence and harassment, alongside improved access to the support system for mothers and fathers returning from maternity and parental leave.
Regarding absences due to illness, the primary requests are; an increase in benefits beyond the 180th day, 100% compensation for the first three days in cases of illness or off-the-job accidents, an increase in job retention from 13 to 16 months, and an increase in unpaid leave from 8 to 12 months.
The established platform provides proposals aimed at improving living conditions in the companies of the sector, aiming for the swift renewal of the National Collective Agreement.
