Italy’s largest trade union federation, CGIL, has announced a national general strike for December 12 to protest the government’s 2026 budget, which it says fails to raise wages or support workers.
Speaking at an assembly in Florence on Friday, CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini described the proposed budget as “unfair and wrong,” arguing that it neglects key areas such as healthcare, education, and public sector pay.
“The fundamental emergency right now is wages,” Landini told delegates gathered at the Florence Palasport. “We need to increase salaries, and this budget doesn’t do that.”
Landini proposed the introduction of a “solidarity contribution” — a 1% levy on Italy’s wealthiest citizens — as an alternative funding measure. “We have put forward a proposal that affects just 1% of Italian citizens,” he said. “We’re talking about 500,000 rich people: for those with wealth exceeding €2 million, a 1% contribution would be enough to raise €26 billion to invest in healthcare, hiring, education, and to raise salaries for everyone.”
No relief for workers with stagnant wages
The CGIL leader argued that the government’s budget, currently in draft form, offers no real relief for workers struggling with stagnant wages and rising living costs. The union’s planned strike in mid-December will involve public and private sector workers. Demonstrations in major Italian cities may take place at the same time.
The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has defended its draft budget as balanced and fiscally responsible, citing economic uncertainty and EU spending limits. However, Landini insisted that Italy’s economic recovery requires investment in people rather than austerity.
“We cannot accept a budget that widens inequalities and leaves workers behind,” he said. “It’s time for fairness, solidarity, and change.”
The December 12 strike will be CGIL’s latest large-scale protest under Landini’s leadership, reflecting growing tensions between the government and organised labour as Italy prepares its 2026 financial plan.
