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Employment practice unions

Università IULM formally recognises unions for all employees, including women, part-time workers, and international staff, in line with Article 39 of the Italian Constitution and European Union Directive 2002/14/EC on the establishment of a general framework for informing and consulting employees.

Union representation at IULM is guaranteed by the University’s Statute of Autonomy, which states that “the technical and administrative staff participate in the management of the University through their representatives in the collegial bodies, and their employment status and remuneration are governed by a collective labour agreement negotiated with recognised trade unions.”

Collective bargaining takes place between the IULM Board of Administration and the unions formally recognised at national and institutional level:

These unions are accredited through their respective university-level representatives and regularly engage in negotiation, consultation, and information procedures with the University’s Director General and HR Office.

The Collective Labour Agreement for IULM Staff 2022–2024 (currently in process of renewal - see below) renewed and updated the institutional framework for industrial relations, introducing:

  • salary adjustment;
  • extended health insurance fully covered by the University;
  • supplementary pension fund contributions;
  • smart-working provisions (two days per week).

This contract was approved by the employee assembly with a large majority and registered by the unions as a model of participatory industrial relations.
The University and the unions have also established a joint working group (CISL-CGIL-IULM) to develop the next bargaining platform 2024–2026, with a focus on gender equality, work-life balance, and new professional frameworks.

All employees - regardless of gender, nationality, or contractual category - are entitled to union membership and representation, and are guaranteed equal participation in collective negotiation and workplace consultation.

Through these agreements and governance mechanisms, IULM ensures full recognition of trade unions, transparent social dialogue, and the protection of workers’ rights, demonstrating active commitment to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.