The metalworking contract is one of the most important in the Italian labor scene. Among the numerous clauses and provisions, there are monthly payments. But what exactly are they? How many are there in the contract? And how are they calculated? In this article we will discover everything you need to know about monthly payments in the metalworking contract, with particular attention to the differences compared to the hourly wage and the methods to verify
the correct payment.
What are monthly payments in a metalworking contract
Monthly payments are a fundamental element of the metalworking contract, but not only that. In fact, this is a clause present in many other national collective agreements, which provides for the payment of a fixed monthly amount to the worker, regardless of the hours actually worked. This means that, even if the employee has worked less or more hours than the monthly average, his pay remains unchanged. In essence, monthly payments constitute a sort of “lump sum payment” that guarantees a certain economic stability for workers, but which requires specific attention from companies during the calculation and payment phase
.
How many monthly payments are provided for in the metalworking contract
The number of monthly payments provided for in the metalworking contract depends on the worker’s category. In principle, the contract provides for 13 monthly payments per year: the thirteenth is paid in December and constitutes a sort of Christmas prize. However, in some categories the number of monthly payments may be higher. For example, for managers, the contract includes 14 monthly payments, while for managers there are 15. In any case, the number of monthly payments must always be indicated in the individual employment contract and in the national collective contract. It is important to underline that monthly payments are not to be confused with productivity premiums or with other allowances provided for in the contract,
which are calculated separately.
How are monthly payments calculated in the metalworking contract
The calculation of the monthly payments in the metalworking contract takes place differently depending on the category the worker belongs to. In general, the monthly salary is divided by the number of working days provided for in the contract (usually 26), thus obtaining the amount of the single month’s rent. However, in some categories, the calculation includes other elements, such as the bonus for night work or holidays. In any case, the calculation must always be carried out in a precise and transparent way, in order to guarantee the correct payment of the monthly payments. In addition, it is important that the worker always has access to their paycheck and can independently verify the calculation of the monthly payments
.
The differences between monthly payments and hourly pay
The main difference between monthly pay and hourly pay is that the latter is calculated based on the hours actually worked. In other words, the hourly wage is the result of the relationship between the monthly salary and the number of working hours foreseen by the contract (usually 168). On the contrary, monthly payments represent a fixed and constant amount, which is paid to the worker regardless of the hours actually worked. Obviously, the hourly wage is more beneficial for the worker when the hours worked exceed the monthly average, while the monthly payments guarantee a certain economic stability even in the event of a reduction in working hours. In any case, both the hourly wage and the monthly payments must be calculated in
a precise and transparent way.
How to verify the correct payment of monthly payments
To verify the correct payment of the monthly payments in the metalworking contract, the worker must first check his paycheck. This must indicate the number of hours worked, the number of days of vacation and leave, any increases for night work or holidays, and the amount of monthly payments. If the worker notices any discrepancies or inconsistencies, he must immediately report them to the employer or trade union. In addition, it is also possible to verify the correct payment of monthly payments through the INPS website, where it is possible to consult the electronic payroll and verify the correct indication of the monthly payments and other pay items. In any case, it is important that the worker pays attention to his paycheck and always verify the correct application of the contractual provisions
.
In conclusion, monthly payments constitute a fundamental element of the metalworking contract, which guarantees economic stability to workers. However, to avoid errors or omissions in the calculation and payment, it is important that both the worker and the company pay attention to the contractual provisions and constantly and precisely verify the correct payment
of the monthly payments.