Covid - Green Pass to access the workplace

Author: Ornella Patanè (Partner at Toffoletto De Luca Tamajo e Soci, Italy)

Until March 31, 2022, in order to access the workplace, all private and public employees will be required to show the “Basic Green Pass” which can be obtained with a vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 infection or a negative swab.

Instead, from February 15, 2022 up to June 15, 2022, employees over the age of 50 must possess the “Super Green Pass” which proves the holder has been vaccinated or has recovered from the infection. This rein forced pass cannot be obtained by a negative COVID swab.

Employers are responsible for appointing the person (one or more) in charge of checking the Green Pass.

Workers without a Green Pass (ordinary or reinforced) or those who refuse to show a pass will be considered as unjustified absentees without pay until the submission of a valid Green Pass and, in any case, no later than March 31, 2022 (June 15 for over 50s). This does not determine disciplinary consequences and the employees remain entitled to keep their jobs.

Finally, specific administrative sanctions are provided for in the event that of an employee accessing the workplace without a Green Pass.

Furthermore, Italian law provides for compulsory vaccination for:

• teachers, members of the military and police forces, as well as all workers employed in prisons;
• healthcare, social-health and medical workers; 
• starting from February 1, 2022, staff of universities and of institutions of artistic, musical and dance training;
• all Italian and European citizens who are over 50 and residing in Italy, as well as foreigners legally residing in our territory. An exemption from the vaccine is only provided in the event of an ascertained danger to the individual’s health, while the obligation is only deferred in case of infection. 

Failure to fulfil the above-mentioned vaccination obligation leads to the suspension of the employee from their work and wages, although they remain entitled to keep their job.