Fair Wage in Italian Labour Law and The Social Doctrine of The Church

The Church''s social doctrine highlights the need to protect workers (operari) against exploitation and ensure they receive a just wage (un giusto salario). In this light Jurists believe that just wages require just laws. So divine and human laws both agree that a labourer deserves his wage. But its concrete realization is a challenge for every nation. Some countries try to achieve this by passing laws on a national minimum wage. Italy however is one of the few countries in Europe that have not adopted a national minimum wage. Consequently there have been recently some efforts to introduce a minimum wage in Italy. The proponents insist that it will help safeguard the most vulnerable workers and guarantee a fair and equitable salary. Others think it might increase unemployment. Nigeria for example is a country that has a system of national minimum wage. But the prevailing wage in Nigeria is grossly inadequate to guarantee a fair salary and reduce unemployment. However social justice requires that all work relations be guided by the moral principles of justice and fairness. This need has become more urgent and daunting due to the economic concerns raised by the Covid Pandemic.