Speeding up approval of the law against violence and harassment in the workplace. That is the request made by 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 product 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 use of an urgent procedure is welcome, but the bill deserved to be placed at the top of the agenda,” the USL stressed, recalling that the measure has already been included once before in council proceedings without ever reaching discussion.
Among the proposed innovations is the possibility of resigning for just cause in cases of violence and harassment, alongside other protective measures for workers. The union believes concrete answers are needed for those suffering such situations in the workplace.
The USL also addressed the reform of social housing, scheduled for a first reading during the same council session. The union linked the issue 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 that the new eligibility criteria could make it harder to access public housing, just as the number of people in difficulty 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 guarantees of stability for the most vulnerable.
Hence the USL’s request for talks with the competent State Secretary — whose openness to dialogue the union acknowledges — to examine the details of the reform together with trade union organizations before the legislative process moves forward.
