Italian labor laws... HELP!!!

[lizzybelly 0]

Ok.... so this is a long story, but the short of it is....

I started working at a school on a US military base. The contracts at this school are hard to come by, and I was being paid under the table. I am a legal resident and have a permesso di soggiorno. The principal of the school, however, is very stingy with the contracts, and therefore there is only a handful of people who have them. Now, out of the blue, she has decided to replace me with someone who has a pass to be allowed on base (I was being sponsored every day). Now, I talked to my friend, who is a lawyer, and he said that whether I am under contract or not, under the Italian law this is illegal. I was called and told that I didnt need to come into school the following day, but that the school would be in contact. The next day i still hadnt heard from them, and they told me (on the phone) that I had been fired. Now my lawyer friend told me that this is illegal, but did not point out where I can go to find more information. I dont want my job back, but I do want to be compensated for the money that I will be missing in the next few weeks or month. Considering she left me without work, or a stipend and without any notice whatsoever. Does anyone know what I can do, where I can find this part of the ITalian law, any ideas? I need help, because I have to go and talk to her, and I need to back up everything I say. The only problem I have been running into is that every time I find information on italian labor laws, it is always referring to people under contract.... any input would be GREATLY appreciated!

liz

[Jenn! 918]

I have a feeling that without a contract, you're not going to have much luck fighting this. When I was working in Italy, all of my rights were laid out within the contract.

Without a contract, I think you can be terminated at will.

I would think that a lawyer in Italy would know where the relevant law is if you have a chance of fighting this.

Just curious...how is it you have a permesso di soggiorno without a contract? My stay was contingent on my employment.

[lizzybelly 0]

Yeah, I know thats what I was thinking,ugh, what a frustration. I have a permesso di soggiorno because I am married to an Italian. Thats how I got my residency too, obviously, well atleast I will be leaving to the states soon...

[Jenn! 918]

Oh, and in case you do want to pursue some kind of compensation. My friend had to file a lawsuit against a school in Italy for wages that she was due under contract. She just now settled this past month and the wages were for June/July 2005. So, be prepared for a lengthy battle. I don't think it's worth the hassle.

And your principal is stingy with the contracts so she won't have to pay taxes on you. It's not right, but is becoming common practice at many of the Italian schools.

[Nessa 23]

paid under the table on a US military base? Why do I find this hard to believe?

Edited January 9, 2008 by Nessa