1999 Country Report on Economic Policy and Trade Practices - Italy Released by the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs U.S. Department of State, March 2000

e. Acceptable Conditions of Work: Minimum wages are set not by law but rather by national collective bargaining agreements. These specify minimum standards to which individual employment contracts must conform. In case of disputes, the courts may step in to determine fair wages on the basis of practice in comparable activities or agreements.

A 1997 law reduced the work week from 48 hours to 40. The regular work week should not exceed six days, and the regular work day eight hours, with some exceptions. Most collective agreements provide for a 36- to 38-hour workweek. Overtime may not exceed two hours a day or an average of 12 hours per week.

The law sets basic health and safety standards and guidelines for compensation for on-the-job injuries. European Union directives on health and safety have also been incorporated into domestic law. Labor inspectors are from local health units or from the Ministry of Labor. They are few, given the scope of their responsibilities. Courts impose fines and sometimes prison terms for violation of health and safety laws. Workers have the right to remove themselves from dangerous work situations without jeopardy to their continued employment. Women are usually forbidden to work at night.