SAN MARINO – The San Marino Workers’ Union (USL) calls for rapid approval of the bill on the prevention and combating of violence and harassment in the workplace, included in point 22 of the agenda of the session of the Great and General Council opened on 21 October. The union fears that, this time too, the measure will not be discussed due to the numerous points that precede it.
The text, the result of long work shared between employers’ associations, trade unions, Secretariats of State and competent institutions, is on the Council’s agenda for the second time. For USL, despite the use of the emergency procedure, it would have been appropriate to place it at the start of the works.
The lack of discussion, the organization underlines, risks representing a negative signal for people who suffer violence and harassment, even in the workplace, and are waiting for greater protection. Among the measures envisaged by the bill are resignations for just cause, considered an important tool for those who find themselves forced to leave their jobs due to situations of serious suffering.
Social housing, we need more housing for people in difficulty
In the press release of 21 October, USL also refers to the revision of social housing, the subject of a bill at first reading in the same council session. For the union, the availability of housing is also fundamental to allow those fleeing situations of violence, including economic violence, to reach a condition of autonomy and security.
The organization highlights that today many people, despite having the right, are unable to access social housing because the available housing is insufficient.
USL shares the principle according to which public housing should not become permanent accommodation when the requirements to benefit from it cease to exist. At the same time, it believes it is essential to guarantee stability for vulnerable people and prevent the new rules from making housing support too difficult to obtain, especially in a phase in which the number of those in need is growing.
The union recognizes the innovative elements contained in the project and the work carried out by the competent Secretary of State, together with the willingness to dialogue demonstrated on various topics. However, he asks for a discussion with the trade unions, through a meeting that allows the text to be explored in greater depth after the limited space available before the first reading.
