After 14 years of waiting and a long union battle, the turning point for the forestry sector in Calabria finally arrives. The contract had expired for over a decade and, despite the numerous renewal attempts, it had been possible to reach a first agreement only in 2019. Now, with the official note of the new contract, an complex phase closes and an important chapter opens for over 3,200 workers and workers in the sector.
“The official act of the pre-less than the new regional supplementary contract 2023–2026 is a historical goal, the result of a long and tenacious trade union mobilization, always supported by the determination of the unitary trade union and, above all, of the workers”. To affirm it is Caterina Vaiti, general secretary of the Flai Cgil Calabria, giving news of the signature of the managerial decree n. 7780 of 28 May, with which the Calabria Region has formalized the adoption of the new regional supplementary contract for the sector of hydraulic-forest and hydraulic-aggry accommodation.
“We started in 2019 with a first step, but it was in 2024 that the negotiation intensified, finding a new acceleration – explains Vaiti -. After a technical stop intervening on 9 December, linked to the initial estimate of the costs, we managed to report the comparison on solid bases, building together an addendum to the pre-lower which today finds full economic coverage for the years 2025 and 2026 “.
The new contract, in fact, provides: a minimum wage increase of 75 euros per month for the lowest parameter, up to beyond 100 euros for higher levels, with effect from January 1, 2025; The economic improvement of the kilometer bands for reimbursement of expensesinstead of the formula linked to the fifth of petrol provided by the national contract, in line with the jurisprudential rulings obtained; a Small increase in the canteen, new protections in case of illness and a expansion of individual rights; a detailed estimate of the economic impact of the Cirl on a three -year basis, covered thanks to savings generated by pensioners and from the reorganization of work.
«We would like to underline – adds Vaiti – the proactive role that the union has played, also in the relationship with the commissioner Gianluca Gallothe General Manager of the EUA Mimmo PallariaDr. Antonio Riga, Head of forestry structure, and the general manager of Calabria Verde Giuseppe Oliva who have been able to welcome and share our requests. It is the demonstration that the dialogue, if concrete, brings useful results for everyone ».
“It is a victory of the workers, of good bargaining and of those who work every day in the Calabrian woods to protect the environment, territory and community – concludes the general secretary of the Flai Cgil Vaiti -. After years of silence and postponements, today we can finally return dignity to thousands of Calabrian workers of the forestry ».