Renewal of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement for Metalworking Industry: Key Updates

On November 22, 2025, Federmeccanica and Assistal, together with the trade unions Fim-Cisl, Fiom-Cgil, and Uilm-Uil, signed the draft agreement for the renewal of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCNL) for the metalworking and plant installation industry, known as “Metalworking – Industry.” The agreement, which will remain in force until June 30, 2028, represents a significant milestone for the sector, introducing a series of changes concerning both economic treatment and organizational and individual protection aspects. Most provisions will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Salary Increases and IPCA Clause

The renewal includes economic adjustments. The parties agreed on a total increase in minimum wages of €205.32 per month for the average level C3, distributed over four installments: €27.70 already paid on June 1, 2025; €53.17 from June 1, 2026; €59.58 from June 1, 2027; and €64.87 from June 1, 2028.

To safeguard purchasing power, the parties will meet annually in early June to determine the portion of TEM related to IPCA dynamics. If the IPCA adjustment exceeds the wage increases set by the agreement for the reference year, the minimum wage tables will be updated accordingly.

The agreement also addresses the absorbability of wage increases: they may be offset against individual allowances granted after January 1, 2017, or against collective increases agreed at company level after the same date, unless expressly stated as non-absorbable.

Welfare and benefit

Another significant innovation concerns contractual welfare. The agreement strengthens this provision by increasing the value of flexible benefits to €250 per year, to be used by May 31 of the following year.

Fixed-Term Contracts and Agency Work

A key provision concerns the regulation of fixed-term contracts. The parties agreed to introduce subjective and objective grounds for the use of fixed-term contracts exceeding 12 months and up to 24 months. However, starting in 2027, the use of such grounds will be conditional upon the permanent hiring of at least 20% of fixed-term contracts terminated in the previous calendar year.

Regarding permanent agency work (staff leasing), effective January 1, 2026, workers who have performed their duties on assignment at the same company, with equivalent level and legal category, for a total duration exceeding 48 months (even if non-consecutive) will have the right to permanent employment with the user company. Periods of assignment prior to December 31, 2025, will not be considered for this calculation.

Protection in Case of Serious Oncological or Disabling Illnesses

The renewal also strengthens individual protections. In addition to the provisions of Law 106/2025, further rights are granted to workers affected by oncological, disabling, or chronic conditions—including rare diseases—resulting in a disability rating of 74% or higher. Upon prescription by a general practitioner or a specialist operating in a public or accredited private healthcare facility, these workers will be entitled to ten hours per year of leave for medical visits and examinations. They may also take unpaid leave for up to 24 months, with job retention rights. Where the nature of the job allows, priority access to remote work is guaranteed as a tool for balancing care needs and employment continuity.

For workers with certified disabilities who have exceeded the statutory sick leave period, additional job retention periods are provided, with wage integration up to 80%. Specifically:

• 30 additional days for workers with up to 3 years of service;
• 45 additional days for workers with 3 to 6 years of service;
• 60 additional days for workers with more than 6 years of service.

Training

Finally, the agreement strengthens the right to individual training. To facilitate organization, planning, and recording of training, the MetApprendo portal is operational. Starting in 2026, companies must contribute financially with an annual payment of €1.50 per employee, to be made by April.