Bologna unions seek €10M from surplus for social aid

Bologna's trade unions are preparing to negotiate with the city administration over the allocation of a significant budget surplus, aiming to direct substantial funds towards social welfare initiatives. The city's 2025 budget closed with a surplus of 70.8 million euros, and unions Cgil, Cisl, and Uil plan to propose allocating slightly over 10 million euros from this "treasury" to address pressing social needs.

The unions' platform prioritizes a "housing pact," enhancements to public transportation including fare integration, maintenance and cooling of social and cultural facilities like kindergartens and libraries, and a more progressive local income tax (Irpef). Cgil leader Michele Bulgarelli criticized the current Irpef system in Bologna as a "flat tax" for most residents, excluding only those below 15,000 euros in income.

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Saranno i rappresentanti del Comune a parlare per primi, ricorda il leader Cisl, Enrico Bassani, e, dunque, solo dopo aver visto la loro bozza avremo chiari i numeri della capienza economica a disposizione e dei destinatari su cui confrontarci. Preferisco non caricarmi di troppe aspettative

Further proposals include facilitating low-interest or zero-interest loans for residents, potentially with municipal guarantees, to support those struggling to access credit, such as precarious workers. Uil coordinator Manuel Michelacci also suggested that a portion of dividends from the energy company Hera could be directed towards supporting families facing rising energy costs. The unions emphasize their focus on assisting those in difficulty, referencing the Caritas observatory which indicates at least 8,500 Bolognese live in poverty, with many more at risk due to job loss or health issues.

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Servirebbe che parte dei dividendi Hera fosse destinata a misure a favore delle famiglie