On September 26, 2025, the first transnational seminar of the European project SD4EU – Social Dialogue for a Union of Equality – was held in Rome. This project is implemented by a consortium of several European professional organisations (comprising of CEPLIS, UNPLIB, MFPA, and Confprofessioni), co-ordinated by Confprofessioni, and co-funded by the European Union.
The event, entitled Social Protection and Gender Equality: Tools and Recommendations for a New European Social Dialogue, brought together institutional representatives, social partners, academic experts, and professional organisations.
Of particular note was the experience of the Italian context as exemplified by the Italian law on Gender Equality Certification and Incentives which aims to eliminate the gender pay gap, and the possible application of similar legislation in differing European national contexts. This was built upon by the experience of UILTuCS regarding the addition gender clauses in national collective agreements and the impact of automatic salary reinstatement.
The Transnational Seminar affirmed that social partners play a crucial role in building an inclusive and sustainable social protection system by filling in the gaps in public policy through collective bargaining, aligning national and European regulations to the market conditions which they observe daily, and promoting gender equality and universal access to social rights. Continued success is predicated on continued social dialogue.
The next transnational seminar is due to be held in Malta on the 30th of October, focusing on the Gender Pay Gap and Equal Pay.
We look forward to seeing you there!