Naples, Pascale researchers remain unemployed: "There will be no extension."

Naples – For months, they've been working in the same laboratories where new cancer therapies are being researched every day, side by side with established researchers, contributing to the studies of the National Cancer Institute "Fondazione Pascale" in Naples. As of today, that journey comes to an end for a group of young Neapolitan researchers: their contracts, funded by the PNRR, will not be extended.

Months of negotiations, but no solution

The matter has been dragging on for some time. Following the risk of non-renewal for dozens of contracts and scholarships linked to the PNRR and PNC funds, the FP CGIL Campania union had begun intense discussions with the Campania Region, which continued almost daily throughout the month of August, in an attempt to find a regulatory solution that would allow for the extension of employment relationships. Despite this effort, the outcome has been negative: to date, no extension has been found for these young professionals.

The union's words: "Much bitterness"

"There is a great deal of disappointment over this outcome," explains Antimo Morlando, regional secretary of Public Health for the FP CGIL Campania, "because despite the mobilization launched in recent months by the CGIL Campania and the FP CGIL Campania, and despite the efforts the Campania Region has made to postpone the initial contractual deadlines, we have not been able to find, at least for now, a solution that would prevent these professionals from being lost."

The accusation against the Government: "Research is not a priority"

According to the union, political responsibility falls on the Ministry of Health: "The Ministry of Health, urged by several regions to find a "bridge" solution, has stalled, providing yet another political demonstration that research is not a priority for the Meloni government, and that we can continue to live with widespread precarious employment."

Next steps: garrison in Rome

The CGIL has already announced new initiatives: "Our initiative, aimed at making our country's healthcare research stable and sustainable, and above all at combating the so-called 'brain drain,' will continue in the coming days. We are currently working with the researchers themselves to organize a demonstration in Rome to protest political decisions that penalize such a sensitive and strategic sector for the country."