Activer event in Italy: Unions driving skills and inclusion

On April 3, 2025, Salerno played host to a major ACTIVER event that marked a turning point in the conversation around the future of work and the strategic role of independent trade unions in Europe. Organised in the framework of CESI’s EU co-funded ACTIVER project, and hosted by FISMIC CONFSAL as part of its National Assembly, the event brought together key voices from across the labour movement, public institutions, and research sectors.

Themed “Active Labour Market Policies: Strategies for Employment Growth, Skills Development, and Social Inclusion”, the event focused on union-led solutions to the challenges posed by Europe’s twin digital and green transitions. With a packed room of delegates and experts, the panel provided an open space for critical exchange, strategic thinking, and bold ideas for how labour policies must evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing world of work.

The event began with a video message from Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of CESI, who set the tone for the discussions by calling for a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking trade unionism. “At CESI, we are deeply committed to supporting a fair transition—one that protects workers while preparing them for the future. Our ACTIVER project promotes exactly this kind of strategy: one rooted in upskilling, inclusion, and meaningful social dialogue,” Heeger emphasised.

The high-level panel featured leading figures such as Roberto Di Maulo, Vice-President of CESI and Secretary General of FISMIC CONFSAL; Natale Forlani, President of INAPP; Claudio Negro, Analyst at the Itinerari Previdenziali Research Centre; and Angelo Raffaele Margiotta, Secretary General of CONFSAL. Each speaker explored the impact of structural economic shifts and the critical need for labour market policies that are both adaptive and protective.

“Protecting jobs today means shaping the labour policies of tomorrow,” remarked Roberto Di Maulo, highlighting FISMIC CONFSAL’s proactive approach in shaping Europe’s social model. “We are contributing with clear proposals, robust expertise, and a distinctly European perspective,” he added.

Central to the discussions was the ACTIVER project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of independent trade unions to participate in the design and implementation of active labour market measures. FISMIC CONFSAL, playing a leading role in the project, showcased its strategies for safeguarding jobs, facilitating lifelong learning, and promoting union pluralism—especially in light of the major structural changes underway in Italy’s manufacturing sector.

Throughout the day, participants reaffirmed the necessity of trade union pluralism as a cornerstone of democracy in the workplace. With over 500 active delegates and a solid presence in key industrial sectors, FISMIC CONFSAL continues to serve as a dynamic and independent voice for workers—not only in Italy but across Europe.

The ACTIVER event in Salerno powerfully illustrated that trade unions are not merely defending the past—they are shaping the future. As Europe navigates its transition towards a more digital and sustainable economy, the voices heard in Salerno sent a clear message: social justice, decent work, and inclusive policy-making must be the guiding principles of that journey.