Features and solutions introduced
One of the most innovative aspects of the decree-law is that the additional contribution does not apply when a wage supplement is requested because of weather events, thus easing the financial burden on businesses in difficulty because of such events. In addition, the law also undertakes to provide financial support to permanent agricultural workers, extending the coverage of the wage supplement scheme to reductions in working activity caused by climate emergencies.
Impact and relevance for the world of work
The relevance of this law lies in its ability to recognise and formalise the changes needed for a work environment that is safer and more resilient to climate change. This legislation not only provides an immediate response to the needs of workers affected by weather events, but also signals the intention to pursue a long-term strategy for managing climate risks in Italy.
Decree-Law No 98/2023 is a concrete example of how the law can evolve in response to the challenges posed by climate change. With this law, Italy places itself at the forefront of protecting workers from the climate emergency, demonstrating the need for public policies that anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with environmental change.
Future prospects will probably include further development of the legislation in this direction, in an attempt to balance the protection of workers with the economic needs of businesses in a context of sustainability and resilience.
Other laws
In the broader context of the laws enacted in 2023, the Italian Senate has dealt with a series of laws concerning environmental protection and sustainability. For example, it is worth noting the ratification of international conventions on workers’ health and safety, which have implications for the response to climate change.
In addition, budget laws were approved in previous years that set aside funds and measures to support the ecological transition and the decarbonisation of the Italian economy. For example, the 2020 budget law established a Fund for the development of an Italian Green New Deal, with a significant allocation earmarked for measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These measures seem to follow a line of awareness already enshrined in Constitutional Law No 1 of 11 February 2022, which amended Articles 9 and 41 of the Italian Constitution to strengthen the protection of the environment.
This law establishes that the Republic protects the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, also in the interest of future generations, and regulates the ways in which animals are protected. The law entered into force on 9 March 2022. You can find the full text of the law on Normattiva at the following link: Constitutional Law No 1 of 11 February 2022.
For further details on the specific legislation, we recommend consulting the official documentation on the Gazzetta Ufficiale website.
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2023/09/23/23G00139/sg. conversion into law
Let us hope that all these actions are only the beginning of a series of further steps to safeguard the environment and the future of new generations.
Other sources:
https://www.inps.it/it/it/inps-comunica/atti/circolari-messaggi-e-normativa/dettaglio.circolari-e-messaggi.2023.08.circolare-numero-73-del-03-08-2023_14242.html
