Speeding up approval of the law against violence and harassment in the workplace. That is the request from the Sammarinese Workers’ Union (Unione Sammarinese Lavoratori, USL), which has weighed in on the new session of the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale), opened on 21 October, voicing concern over the risk of yet another postponement.
The bill, the result of lengthy discussions among employers’ associations, trade unions, state secretariats and institutions, appears only as the 22nd item on the agenda — a placement that, according to the union, could once again prevent it from being debated.
“The emergency procedure is welcome, but the bill deserved to be placed at the top of the agenda,” the USL stressed, recalling that the measure had already been included once in Council proceedings without ever being examined.
Among the proposed changes is the possibility of resigning for just cause in cases of violence and harassment, along with other protective measures for workers. The union believes concrete answers are needed for those suffering in the workplace.
The USL also addressed the reform of social housing, scheduled for first reading in the same Council session. The issue is linked to economic violence and the need for victims of abuse to have access to independent housing.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of the proposal, the union fears the new criteria could make access to public housing more difficult, at a time when the number of people in hardship is rising and available housing remains insufficient.
The organization shares the goal of preventing homes from being permanently occupied by those who no longer meet the requirements, but it is calling for stability to be guaranteed for the most vulnerable.
Hence the request for talks with the relevant Secretary of State, whose willingness to engage in dialogue the USL acknowledges, in order to examine the content of the reform together with trade unions before the next stage of the legislative process.
