The meeting with the national trade union representatives of the Ministry of Defence's civilian personnel was held in the Douhet Hall of Palazzo A.M. Among his first actions after taking office, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force intended to meet with category representatives to reaffirm the attention that the Armed Force's leadership places on the concerns and expectations of civilian personnel serving within its organisations. Following a cordial welcome to those present, General Preziosa himself, assisted by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Paolo Magro, explained to those present the need to “Team up”placing the emphasis on safeguarding its military and civilian personnel. In particular for the latter, the Chief of SMA expressed a wish to operate with“satisfaction and without fears for the future, even in the current difficult economic climate”.
Subsequently, representatives of the various trade unions (CISL, CIGL, UIL, FLP DIFESA, CONFSAL, USB and UGL INTESA) spoke, thanking the Head of SMA for organising the event, confirming the Armed Force's sustained attention to industrial relations in the interest of civilian personnel.
Furthermore, the representatives highlighted the most significant issues, calling for greater involvement in activities related to the review of military instruments, the importance of staff retraining and training, especially in light of the review, the need to guarantee new hirings nonetheless, also by recalling the use of the extension mechanism provided for by the enabling law. Everyone then underscored the need for a prompt solution to the “single payslip” issue, whose responsibilities transferred from the Ministry of Economy and Finance on 1 January 2013 and which is causing significant discrepancies in the correct payment of emoluments to some civilian staff.
At the conclusion of the meeting, General Preziosa assured his own and the Air Force's utmost attention to the issues raised by the speakers, primarily the problem relating to civilian personnel salaries. For this issue, in addition to the appropriate actions being taken at the inter-service level and at the office of the Minister of Defence's cabinet, he will ensure further awareness among all the peripheries involved.
