Renewed Collective National Labour Contract 18/3/2014

“In the light of the severe international crisis, the renewal of the labour contract comes at a difficult time for the industries we represent,” said Enzo Mularoni, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica’s Trade Union Commission. “The fact that it was possible to reach an agreement without industrial action and within the framework of national agreements safeguarding the purchasing power of wages testifies to the sense of responsibility that has allowed us to make significant changes to the regulatory apparatus. The higher costs that we will face will serve to protect company employees and to make investments for the future. The new contract once again confirms the sector’s excellent industrial relations."

The financial part of the contract envisages a total wage increase of 107 euro, to be introduced in three steps: the first 30 euro instalment in January 2011; the second, again 30 euro, in October 2011; and the remaining 47 euro in August 2012.
A lump sum payment of 120 euro for all workers will be made for the period of time not covered by the contract. This will consist of two instalments, the first in December 2010 together with the 13th monthly wage (year-end bonus), and the second in March 2011.

Specifically for the ceramic sanitaryware sector, the 107 euro wage increase will be introduced in four instalments: 20 euro in January 2011, 30 euro on 1 December 2011, 30 euro on 1 November 2012, and the remaining 27 euro on 1 June 2013. For the period of time not covered by the contract, workers employed in the ceramic sanitaryware sector will be paid a 60 euro lump sum in two instalments paid on the same dates as the ceramic tile sector, followed by a second lump sum of 60 euro to be paid in June 2013.
For all segments of the ceramic sector, the new contract will expire on 30 June 2013.

A major feature of the renewed contract is the greater flexibility granted to companies to adapt weekly working hours according to temporary production, technological and organisational requirements, subject to trade union negotiations which should be concluded as rapidly as possible to enable companies to remain competitive in international markets. Administrative changes have also been introduced, in particular the obligation for workers to provide notification of absence due to illness before the beginning of working hours and the quarterly scheduling of leave for assisting family members with disabilities.