I- Pattern of Recent Conflict
•Dramatic increase in conflict in 2002
–April 1-day protest strike
–October 1-day protest strike
•2003 and 2004 declined again
•March and November 2004 1-day national protest strikes
•2005 growing conflict in public services
April 1-day protest strike
Called by all three confederations
First such national political strike in 20 years
To protest plans to change the job protection provisions of workers’ statute, i.e. to reduce right of reinstatement

October 1-day protest strike
Same topic as April strike
Called only by CGIL
Other two confederations had negotiated compromise with government
2002 80% of strike days involved in strikes over government policy

2003 and 2004 declined again
Reduced percentage of days lost to political strikes
But still over 50%

March and November 2004 1-day national protest strikes
4th & 5th nation-wide protest strikes against Berlusconi Government
These were about the budget and pension reform

2005 growing conflict in public services
Many of these strikes illegal
Violate 1990 law on strikes in essential services