Edward Marchesi The Liguria Regional Council approved a law allowing the government to increase healthcare workers' contractual funds up to a maximum of €18,4 million per year. The vote ended with 17 votes in favor and 13 against, marking a clear split between the majority and the opposition on the method and financial guarantees.
The measure stems from the need to harmonize ancillary treatments following the reorganization of the regional healthcare system and covers a broad spectrum of professionals: from medical and veterinary staff to nurses, midwives, technicians, rehabilitation professionals, social workers, and healthcare workers. However, the disbursement of resources is not automatic: the law stipulates that the Regional Council must authorize the allocations annually, in compliance with financial balances and national constraints.
Financing methods and scope of application
The law authorizes an increase in supplementary contractual funds of up to 2% of the 2018 regional wage bill , drawn from the Regional Health Fund . The stated goal is to reduce the pay gap between workers from the previous local health authorities and those incorporated into the new organization. The resources may also be distributed differently, taking into account specific working conditions, the presence of services in disadvantaged areas, and staffing shortages.
Extension and interested audience
According to the majority, the measure will affect over 21 workers , with priority given to those joining the new organizational structures. The provision takes into account both sector personnel and healthcare management, although union hearings indicated a greater need for the sector alone.
The Galliera Hospital case and the approved amendments
The most controversial point of the debate was the Galliera Hospital . Two approved amendments established that the economic harmonization would apply to Galliera employees only upon their entry into the Metropolitan Hospital Authority (AOM) . The majority defended this decision as consistent with the regional healthcare reform, while the opposition viewed it as affecting negotiations on the facility's future.
The provision was defended in the Chamber by the Chair of the Health Committee and majority group leader, who stated its intention to enhance staff skills and responsibility. The Health Councilor reiterated that the Region is ready to commit the necessary resources for those eligible for equal treatment.
Reactions and accusations from the opposition
Opposition forces challenged the lack of certainty regarding funding: the €18,4 million ceiling was defined as a maximum limit, not a certain allocation. The Democratic Party leader highlighted the regional healthcare system's certified deficit—with a deficit of €119,9 million in 2025 and an overall deficit for healthcare providers of approximately €139,5 million in the first half of 2026—and asked for clarification on how increases are intended to be guaranteed in the coming years.
Other councilors echoed the demands raised during the hearings with the unions: for the sector's personnel alone, an allocation of approximately €19,8 million would be necessary , a figure exceeding the legal limit. For these reasons, amendments that would have made annual authorization mandatory or anticipated the financial impact were rejected.
Time impacts and outlook on payments
Criticism has also been raised regarding the implementation timeline: some minority representatives have emphasized that the economic benefits may only materialize in the second half of 2028, delaying the response to staff needs following the reorganization. A preliminary review of the funds and a structured discussion with the trade unions have also been requested to define clear distribution criteria.
The majority, for its part, emphasized the need to comply with regulatory constraints and confirmed its willingness to proceed in accordance with the reform's provisions: the legal and organizational status of employees remains the decisive factor in accessing wage equalization measures.
Political and union debate remains ongoing over the implementation methods and financial sustainability: the law establishes a regulatory framework that allows for increases, but leaves the final decision on annual funding to the future Executive Board.