In Italy, sindacati (trade unions) play a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights and representing their interests in the workplace. The Italian welfare system is among the most developed in Europe, and sindacati have been at the heart of it for over a century. Even though their influence has changed over time, they remain essential for anyone working or planning to work in Italy.
👉 Related: read more about the Italian Welfare System.
The Meaning of Sindacato
The word sindacato comes from the Greek “syndikos,” meaning “advocate” or “representative.” In Italian, sindacato (singular) means “trade union,” while sindacati (plural) refers to multiple unions. Historically, these organizations formed to defend workers against exploitation, negotiate fair contracts, and promote social reforms.
The Birth of Italian Trade Unions
The modern sindacati were founded in the early 20th century, inspired by industrial movements in northern Europe. The first national organizations emerged after World War I, when industrialization and urban labor expanded rapidly. However, during the Fascist period (1922–1943), all independent unions were banned, replaced by state-controlled corporative structures. After the war, free unions were re-established as part of Italy’s new democratic system.
Three major confederations took shape and still dominate today:
- CGIL (Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro), founded in 1944 with socialist and communist roots.
- CISL (Confederazione Italiana Sindacati Lavoratori), established in 1950, with Catholic and centrist inspiration.
- UIL (Unione Italiana del Lavoro), also founded in 1950, representing a more secular, pragmatic approach.
Together, these organisations represent millions of members across all sectors. Public, private, and cooperative.
What Sindacati Do
Sindacati act as intermediaries between employees and employers. Their main functions include:
- Negotiating national collective contracts (known as CCNL – Contratti Collettivi Nazionali di Lavoro), which define salaries, working hours, and conditions for entire categories of workers.
- Providing legal and fiscal assistance to members, especially in disputes with employers.
- Supporting workers during layoffs, restructuring, or factory closures.
- Offering career guidance and training opportunities through affiliated organizations.
Many local union offices have trained representatives called delegati sindacali who act as the first point of contact for employees. They listen to complaints, explain workers’ rights, and escalate issues to higher levels if needed.
The Role in Strikes (Scioperi)
One of the most visible actions led by sindacati is the sciopero: the strike. The right to strike is protected by the Italian Constitution (Article 40). Unions can call a strike to protest against unfair labor conditions, layoffs, or national policies affecting workers’ rights.
Strikes can affect various sectors — from public transport to schools, hospitals, and factories. Usually, unions announce a strike several days in advance, following specific legal procedures. Even if participation rates have declined in recent years, strikes remain a powerful tool of negotiation and a symbol of collective action.
Political and Social Influence
The relationship between sindacati and politics in Italy has always been close but complex.
CGIL, CISL, and UIL were historically aligned with different political forces — the left, the Christian Democrats, and centrist parties respectively — but have since evolved into more independent organizations. While they no longer dictate political agendas, they continue to influence debates on pensions, minimum wage, and welfare reform.
On a local level, unions collaborate with Confcommercio (the business association for commerce) and Confartigianato (the association for artisans and small businesses). These groups represent the employers’ side during collective bargaining. The balance between sindacati and employer associations defines the Italian model of social dialogue — a system that aims to prevent conflict through negotiation.
Membership and Representation
Joining a sindacato is voluntary but highly common, especially in public administration, education, and manufacturing. Members pay a small monthly fee that supports union activities and grants access to legal or fiscal assistance.
Each workplace may have its own representatives, known as RSU (Rappresentanza Sindacale Unitaria), who are elected by employees and act as a bridge between workers and management. RSU members participate in meetings, discuss grievances, and help implement agreements.
Criticism and Change
In recent years, sindacati have faced criticism for being too bureaucratic or disconnected from younger workers and new job forms like freelancing or platform work. Still, their role remains significant. They continue to push for better protections for temporary and part-time workers and to influence government labor policy.
Digital platforms and social media have also changed how unions communicate and organize — younger Italians are rediscovering activism through online campaigns and grassroots initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Sindacato means trade union; sindacati is the plural form.
- The three main Italian unions are CGIL, CISL, and UIL.
- They negotiate contracts, protect workers’ rights, and organize scioperi (strikes).
- Unions work alongside employer associations like Confcommercio and Confartigianato.
- Though less powerful than in the past, sindacati remain a key part of Italy’s social and labor system.