Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke at the 19th national congress of UIL (Unione Italiana del Lavoro) in Padua. The introduction was handled by a humanoid robot wearing a union t-shirt and scarf, which welcomed the Prime Minister to the stage. The robot stated it was "here to help, not to replace," a gesture connected to the broader theme of artificial intelligence discussed by UIL Secretary General Pierpaolo Bombardieri in his address. Meloni responded with a smile and thanked the robot.

During her speech, Meloni announced that the government intends to confirm the tax detaxation of contract renewals in the next budget bill, following discussions with Minister of Labor Marina Calderone and Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti. Bombardieri had previously described this commitment as significant.

Meloni cited employment data indicating record-high employment rates and historically low unemployment, including youth unemployment. She stated that permanent contracts have increased by 1.2 million since the beginning of the legislature, while precarious contracts have decreased.

The Prime Minister noted that she is the only sitting head of government to have attended the congresses of all three major Italian trade unions (CGIL, CISL, UIL) during her term, presenting dialogue with social partners as a hallmark of her government. She praised UIL's approach as constructive. According to some outlets, this was interpreted as an implicit criticism of CGIL Secretary General Maurizio Landini, though this reading was not present in all coverage.

Meloni described the "salario giusto" (fair wage) measure as a victory for all Italian workers, stating that collective bargaining is the most effective tool available. She also addressed the reform of employment incentives, saying the government has moved away from indiscriminate subsidies and is working to combat irregular "pirate contracts." She reiterated a policy of zero tolerance against gangmaster practices (caporalato) and associated criminal organizations.

On workplace safety, Meloni referenced over one thousand deaths per year on the job and paid tribute to Emma, mother of Luana D'Orazio, who turned personal loss into civic engagement.

Regarding pensions, Meloni agreed with Bombardieri on the need to restore sustainability to the system, noting that without reform the welfare state may be at risk. Bombardieri had proposed mandatory complementary pension contributions as a possible solution.

Finally, Meloni emphasized that Italy's future depends on women, particularly working women, and called for a cultural shift to counter narratives that frame family and children as incompatible with professional life.