too many precarious contracts –

The European Commission is referring Italy to the EU Court of Justice because it has not put an end, as requested, to the “abusive” use of fixed-term contracts and “discriminatory” working conditions in schools. According to the Commission, Italy “does not have” the necessary rules to prohibit discrimination relating to working conditions and the “abusive” use of subsequent fixed-term contracts.

The Commission notes that the Italian legislation that determines the remuneration of fixed-term teachers in public schools does not provide for an incremental salary progression based on previous periods of service, which «constitutes discrimination compared to teachers employed on a permanent basis, who have the right to such salary progression”. Furthermore, contrary to Community law, Italy has not adopted effective measures to prevent the abusive use of subsequent fixed-term employment contracts of administrative, technical and auxiliary staff in state schools. All this, underlines the EU executive, violates European legislation on fixed-term work. The Commission believes that the authorities’ efforts have so far been insufficient and is therefore referring Italy to the Court of Justice.