Referendum fails

Italian vote doesn't make a quorum

An attempt by Italy's political left to secure better job protection for its citizens suffered a severe setback last week, after a large portion of the population failed to vote.
In the two-day referendum, the Italian public was called upon to pass a notion that would see national labour laws extended to give protection to employees of smaller companies.
The proposal would have given judges the power to order the rehiring of sacked workers in companies with fewer than 15 employees.
In contrast, under Article 18 of the current Italian labour code, judges have the authority to order the rehiring of employees let go by larger companies with 15 staff members or more.
However, in all, a mere 25.7 per cent of the voting population managed to participate in the referendum, which rendered the motion dead.
"We have lost," said Fausto Bertinotti, head of the Refounded Communist Party. "A profound injustice that divides workers remains in this country."
To be considered valid, the referendum needed to pass the 50 per cent threshold in order to gain momentum.
About 47 million people were eligible to cast a ballot, including for the first time, Italians living abroad.
The result is a disappointment, considering supporters of the proposed law raised a petition of 700,000 names to ensure the referendum would take place.
Several parties on both the right and left of the political spectrum vehemently opposed the initiative, and urged citizens to boycott the vote.
A second referendum was also conducted on rights of access for electricity firms. Had it passed, energy companies would have no longer the automatic right to lay power cables or place antennae on private property.

Publication Date: 2003-06-22
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2874