With the raging economic crisis and inflation knocking on the doors of citizens, fashion runs for cover and asks for help from the government. The political situation is not the best, and perhaps the sector should have acted more quickly, as the third government crisis of this legislature could end today, which is unlikely to lead to a path other than early elections. However, as they say, better late than never. Yesterday, Smi – Sistema Moda Italia and Cnmi – Italian Fashion Council sent a joint letter to Andrea Orlando, Minister of Labor and Social Policy, containing an urgent offer for companies in the textile clothing fashion industry, aimed at reducing the loss in purchasing power of the wages of their employees.
“In this unforeseen event,” emphasize Smi and Cnmi in a press release, “the risk a severe loss of purchasing power of workers’ wages sector, especially workers with a medium-low contract level. And this phenomenon, if not addressed through concrete and effective measures, could lead to growing worker dissatisfaction with companies and further difficulty for the entire sector in attracting new young resources and new skilled talent.”
The measure, proposed by the presidents of the two respective associations, Sergio Tamborini and Carlo Capaza, does not provide for bonuses or subsidies from the government.. On the contrary, he asks that companies in the sector can voluntarily provide their employees with a bonus of up to 100 euros per month (in addition to current wages). The subsidy paid by companies must cover the period from now until December 2023, and in such a request it must be exempt from taxable contribution and taxable income. Therefore, given its emergency nature, this measure should not be taxable and will be limited to workers with low-middle incomes up to 35,000 euros gross per year.
The fall of the government could delay the ministry’s response to these requests by weeks, and as the associations stress, operators cannot wait too long, especially after the pandemic hits. Especially since the fate of the country’s strategic sector is at stake. In fact, Italy is the first manufacturer of luxury goods in the world and the first manufacturer of clothing in Europe, this should not be forgotten.
Source: Elle