AN OVERVIEW OF THE OFW LABOR MARKET IN ITALY
PART TWO

(SOURCE: LABOR ATTACHE CORAZON C. ALFONSO, OIC-DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL LABOR AFFAIRS SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT)

I. WORKING CONDITIONS OF OFWS IN ITALY

Filipino domestic helpers are known for their honesty, hard work, and skills (plus the fact that they are professionals), so that Italian employers prefer them instead of other foreign workers. There is generally a good working environment between the OFW and the Italian employer, partly because of the common religious beliefs (Roman Catholic) between the OFW and the Italian employers and mainly because of the professionalism and good working relationship that the OFWs cultivated.

2. However, some recent developments in the legal and economic landscape of Italy have given rise to some unfavorable consequences for OFWs such as the following:

a. Since Italians themselves are now experiencing economic difficulties, they have undertaken some modifications vis-à-vis the hiring of foreign workers. Many of them have reduced the number of working hours during which they hire the services of OFWs. Consequently, the latter now earn less than they used to.

b. Still, as a result of the economic difficulties of Italians themselves, many Italian employers have now stopped housing their employees. In the past, many OFWs enjoyed the added privilege of having free board and lodging in the houses of their employers. This is not the case anymore.

c. Moreover, the difficulty of finding a job has increased on account of Italians’ own economic difficulties. Many OFWs have reportedly been rendered unemployed.

Most OFWs now have to pay their own insurance under Italy’s Social Security Services (INPS) since many Italian employers are now unwilling to do so, unlike in the past.

e. Finally, the availment of INPS benefits has become harder on account of the new regulation that an OFW should have a carta di soggiorno since (1) they should be able to declare in their INPS that they have a job which consists of at least 25 hours per week, and (2) they should be willing to pay taxes like any other Italian citizen upon their receipt of said carta di soggiorno. Both requirements are rather hard for OFWs to fulfill.

II. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY OFWS IN ITALY

1. Many Italian employers are reluctant to state the definite terms of employment. Hence, many OFWs end up working for Italian employers for a much-reduced number of hours than they originally expected.

2. Italian employers may now terminate an OFW’s employment after 15 days prior notice.

3. Many Italian employers reportedly chose not to renew the permit to stay of their employees in order to avoid paying for their INPS contributions. Consequently, many OFWs are left with no choice but to pay for their own INPS contributions.

4. Other foreign nationals are willing to work for much lower wages than those normally received by Filipinos. As a result, competition in the labor market has been tightened. Filipinos therefore are forced to lower their own salary demands in order not lose employment opportunities.

5. It now takes longer to renew one’s permesso di soggiorno. At times, it could take a year to finally receive the renewed document.

6. Finally, the common problems of OFWs worldwide are also experienced by Italy-based OFWs: infidelity of spouses, children’s delinquency, financial problems, unemployment, high cost of housing rental, and high cost of living.