Union calls for Jobs Acts changes

(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - The decree enacting the government's controversial Jobs Act labour reform "should allow, in the event of unlawful dismissal, for a worker to receive not only compensation but also the sum of the tax and social security allowances accrued by the company for that worker," Italy's third largest labour union confederation said on Thursday.
    UIL called for the measure to avoid "paradoxes", namely that companies "might benefit from hiring only then to fire", particularly if tax allowances on hiring become structural. The contentious labour reforms have triggered protests from unions, which say it drastically cuts job protections.
    But the government says changes are needed to open up the labour market and encourage job creation.
    Last week, two of Italy's biggest trade unions held a national general strike to protest the Jobs Act legislation. On Tuesday, Renzi said his cabinet will have its Jobs Act decree completed for discussion at a meeting on Christmas Eve.