Following negotiations between trade unions and Confindustria, an agreement has been reached on the new local collective contract for the marble sector in Carrara. This development restores labor peace in Italy’s most iconic quarrying center, while introducing significant provisions for working conditions and wages across the industry.
The agreement, which is now subject to final ratification by worker assemblies, covers the four-year period 2026–2029. It resolves periods of uncertainty by addressing key demands from both sides.
Permanent reduction of working hours during summer months
At the core of the new contract is the permanent implementation of a measure previously tested on a trial basis: a structural reduction in working hours during the hottest months of the year without any loss of pay.
Specifically, dedicated paid leave (32 hours per year for quarry workers and 16 hours for processing plant personnel) will be utilized between May and September, primarily targeting the final hour of shift schedules. The objective is to protect workers from extreme temperatures, mitigate physical fatigue, and strengthen safety protocols on-site.
Economic adjustments and welfare benefits
Alongside working time regulations, the agreement includes a package of financial enhancements:
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Hazardous & arduous work allowances: Increased by 36% for specialized worker categories.
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Daily attendance allowance: Set at €9.50 for extraction operations (monte) and €7.00 for processing units (piano).
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Attendance bonus & benefits: Gradual increases in daily attendance bonuses over the next three years, alongside phased enhancements to employee welfare programs.
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Industry fund support: The employer contribution to the bilateral “Fondo Marmo” increases from €5.16 to €8 per worker, safeguarding the continuation of healthcare and welfare services.
Operational stability and global impact
Reaching this accord ensures the uninterrupted operation of the Italian marble supply chain at a time when global demand for high-end natural stone remains steady. Simultaneously, the updated labor standards in Carrara are set to serve as a benchmark for how the modern quarrying sector adapts its operations to climate challenges and evolving workplace standards.
