CGIL Brings 200,000 to Rome in Democracy at Work March

More than 200,000 people gathered in Rome’s Piazza San Giovanni on Saturday for the national demonstration “Democracy at Work,” organised by CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union confederation.

The event brought together workers, retirees, and young people from across the country to call for a fairer, more democratic Italy built on the dignity of work and social justice.

CGIL leaders described the march as a united stand for democracy, employment rights, and equality, highlighting the need for policies that strengthen workers’ protections and civic participation.

The demonstration marked one of the largest union gatherings in Italy in recent years, underscoring widespread public concern over economic inequality and democratic accountability.

From the stage, CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini highlighted the union’s role as a force for representation and social cohesion, stressing the urgent need for policies that put jobs, wages, and safety back at the center. Alongside him, Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), brought the voice of the global labor movement, emphasizing that the defense of rights and workplace democracy knows no borders.

At the core of the mobilization were key demands: the renewal of collective agreements, the fight against precarious work, greater investment in public health and education, and a fairer tax reform. The CGIL also expressed concern over Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s 2026 budgetary measures, warning that they could deepen inequality and cut funding for welfare and culture.

“Democracy at Work” was a day of participation and proposals — for an Italy that truly belongs to everyone.