Ahead of Italy’s June 8–9 referendums, labor union CGIL urges citizens to vote for work, justice, and social rights, warning against political silence and abstention.
 |
| CGIL intensifies its call for voter turnout in Italy’s June 2025 referendums, defending democratic engagement and urging support for labor rights and social justice. Image: CGIL/CH |
Rome, Italy — May 27, 2025:
With Italy’s pivotal national referendums approaching on June 8–9, the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) is renewing its call for citizens to vote, framing participation as a fundamental act of freedom and democratic responsibility.
The referendums will pose five questions concerning key issues such as labor rights, judicial reform, and social protections. As the primary advocate behind the campaign, CGIL is rallying support to combat political apathy and what it describes as a concerning media silence surrounding the vote.
“Not voting is a serious political mistake,” declared Maurizio Landini, General Secretary of CGIL. “Voting means freedom, it means responsibility. With this campaign, we aim to return decision-making power to the people and bring rights and dignity back to the political forefront. Those calling for abstention are not only wrong—they're denying the possibility of necessary change.”
CGIL's campaign is supported by a wide alliance of associations, political parties, artists, academics, and civil society organizations, all striving to raise awareness amid growing concerns over low public engagement. Their unified message: democracy only thrives when people participate.
Elly Schlein, Secretary of the Democratic Party, echoed this urgency: “Reaching the quorum is possible, but it will take a collective effort to inform and mobilize voters.”
Other political leaders have also voiced frustration over what they see as intentional efforts to suppress voter awareness. Nicola Fratoianni, Secretary of Sinistra Italiana, condemned parties encouraging abstention. Meanwhile, Riccardo Magi, Secretary of Più Europa, criticized the government’s communication, claiming many Italians remain unaware of the referendum dates.
Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S), stressed that participation is critical for defending labor protections. “Anyone who wants more protections at work must go vote. Otherwise, the same few will continue to decide everything, and inequality will keep growing,” Conte said.
In the days leading up to the vote, CGIL plans to maintain nationwide mobilization efforts through rallies, information campaigns, and grassroots events aimed at boosting turnout and clarifying what’s at stake.
“Voting ‘Yes’ means ending job insecurity, stopping workplace deaths, and reversing unfair dismissals,” Landini concluded. “It means restoring dignity and rights — because change starts with a vote.”
The June referendums could mark a defining moment for labor policy and social justice in Italy. Whether the public answers CGIL’s call to action may determine the country’s direction on workers’ rights and democratic governance.