The case of the half-liter bottle of water at 2 euros, with disposable cups at 20 cents each, reported on social media by Laura Rita Santoro, nurse and Nursing Up unionist, active in the healthcare field, is just the tip of the iceberg of a problem that is becoming increasingly serious in Italy: price speculation and the difficulties many families face in making ends meet at the end of the month. According to INPS data, one in four workers in Italy earns less than 780 euros per month, that is, less than the citizenship income. One third of pensioners, on the other hand, have an income of less than 1,000 euros. In 2022, the prices of goods and services increased on average by 7.3%, with peaks of 17.5% for pasta and 20% for energy. These increases have had a devastating impact on Italian families, especially those with low incomes. According to an ISTAT survey, in 2022 more than 63% of Italian families struggled to make it to the end of the month. Compared to 25% in countries like Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. Even Poland and Portugal are doing much better than us. The situation is particularly difficult for nurses and other healthcare professionals, who have found themselves facing a double emergency: staff shortages, with deprivation of private life, and price speculation. More and more professionals are reporting that to make it to the end of the month they are forced to go into debt with banks or take out small loans. Nursing Up denounces that "Our salaries have been stagnant since 1996." "We have risks and responsibilities equal to those of a doctor and greater than our public managers, whose actual output is still unclear." For this reason, Nursing Up is asking for an increase of at least 500 euros for nurses and health professionals (including OSS), each according to their risks, responsibilities, and workloads. "This is not inflation, it's speculation". "The only ones who have not suffered from the high cost of living/speculation are those Italians who are part of the elite: politicians, notaries, managers at every level." The situation is destined to get worse if the government does not take concrete measures to counter speculation and increase wages. Possible solutions? The PNRR is a unique opportunity for Italy to relaunch its economy and improve the lives of its citizens. However, to be effective, it must be used strategically and with clear objectives. Among the possible solutions to the problem of speculation and starvation wages, the following can be identified: Invest in jobs. The best way to increase workers' purchasing power is to create new jobs. The PNRR can be used to fund projects that encourage the creation of businesses and employment, such as: Incentives for start-ups and small businesses (crafts, clean energy, etc.) Vocational training Infrastructure Tax multinationals. Multinationals are often accused of paying little (often nothing) in taxes and of moving profits abroad in exchange for low-cost precarious jobs. If the government managed to tax multinationals fairly, it could use these resources to fund public services and support measures for workers. Reduce taxation for small entrepreneurs and professionals. Small entrepreneurs and professionals are often those who pay the most taxes in proportion to their income. Reducing taxation could encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of new jobs. Reduce the salaries of politicians and public managers at every level. The salaries of politicians and public managers are often considered excessive. Lowering them could free up resources to be allocated to other sectors, such as healthcare and education. Invest in Made in Italy. Made in Italy is a brand recognized all over the world. Investing in Made in Italy could create new jobs and increase exports. Create an anti-corruption system. Corruption is a serious problem that damages the Italian economy and society. Creating an effective anti-corruption system could help fight corruption and recover resources stolen from the State. Defeat crime. Organized crime is another serious problem that damages the Italian economy and society. Defeating crime could help create a more favorable environment for investment and economic growth. Invest in healthcare, security, and education. Healthcare, security, and education are the foundations of a strong nation. Investing in these sectors is essential to improve citizens' lives and create the conditions for a prosperous future. To find effective solutions, a broad public debate and the participation of all social forces are necessary. Collaboration between social forces is needed, as happens in civilized countries. Do not boycott competition at the expense of the country, we are in full agony. "Nursing Up is ready to take to the field", if nothing concrete is done, we are ready to take to the streets." LapagindiNursingUp Vincenzo Parisi
