HIRING AND MANAGING STAFF
Employee representation bodies & Employee participation Overview
The sources of Italian regulatory system for employee representation bodies are twofold: legal and contrac- tual.
With regards to legal sources, the basic right to establish and join a Trade Union association in the workplace or perform Union activity, is granted to all workers and is protected by a network of anti-discriminatory provisions (Articles 14-17 of Law no. 300/70, i.e. "Workers' Statute"). "Rappresentanze Sindacali Unitarie" (hereinafter RSU) were established by national agreement in 1993 and reformed in 2014. RSUs are formed by a general election among the workforce. The Unions compete in the election and are represented in proportion to the votes they have received.
Alternatively to take part in the election of RSU, a union can establish its own Rappresentanza Sindacale Uni- taria (RSA).
Rights and obligations
Both types of works council, RSA and RSU, are involved in collective bargaining and the verification of the cor- rect application of laws and collective agreements. They exercise information and consultation rights, as laid down both by collective bargaining and by law. They should be consulted on issues such as overtime levels, employment policy, hiring policy or corporate restructuring.