Caregivers Protest Against Locatelli Bill in Rome
Caregivers from all over Italy gathered in Piazza Santi Apostoli in Rome to protest against the Locatelli bill, which provides a monthly bonus of 400 euros to cohabiting family members with a care load of at least 91 hours per week. The protesters, who are primarily family members taking care of a disabled relative, are seeking recognition and support for their work, which they argue is undervalued and undercompensated. According to Davide Amati, delegate of the United Family Caregivers association for Campania, “We are not against the bill regardless, we are for a law that is good for everyone. Our work is 24 hours a day, we ask for the right recognition and above all our rights.”
Opposition to the Bill
Some opposition parliamentarians, including Andrea Quartini of the 5 Star Movement and Marco Furfaro of the Democratic Party, were present at the protest, criticizing the bill as “silly” and “a propaganda proposal that will give crumbs to very few caregivers.” Luana Zanella, group leader of the Green and Left Alliance in the Chamber, explained that the government’s intervention with the Locatelli bill has hindered efforts to define new legal rules for recognition and support of caregivers. The United Family Caregivers association presented a document outlining their requests, including recognition of caregivers as workers with adequate remuneration, full social security contributions, and access to social and welfare protection.
Requests and Demands
The association is also seeking to address the effects of chronic stress, known as “burden,” which can lead to a decline in immune defenses, anxiety, depression, and a worsening of quality of life. Alessandra Corradi, national spokesperson of United Family Caregivers, emphasized the need for a large article on the prevention of this phenomenon in the law. A survey presented during the conference revealed that 9 out of 10 caregivers are out of the job market due to care activities, and approximately 60% of those caring for a disabled family member do not receive any financial support. Furthermore, almost all caregivers (89.3%) are women.
Conclusion
The protest and conference highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and supportive approach to caregivers in Italy. The United Family Caregivers association has announced the delivery of a petition to the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, which has collected 8,000 signatures, calling for the professional recognition of caregivers. For more information on the protest and the Locatelli bill, visit Here