Hi AngelaMaria,
I think this has to do with the "Cassa Integrazione".

According to the International Observatory of Labor Law:

http://www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/ifpdial/ll/it.htm

The Cassa Integrazione Guadagni operates mostly in cases of **suspension or temporary reduction of activity** due to causes beyond the will of the enterprise or the workers, or market fluctuations, and includes suspension of activity in the building industry due to bad weather. **Workers whose contracts of employment have been suspended** on these grounds can be paid 80% (sometimes up to 100 %) of their previous earnings within a prescribed ceiling (in 2001 it was Lit. 1.471.235 per month, and Lit. 1.768.283 for earnings of more than Lit.3.182.908 per month). This benefit can be paid for up to 13 weeks, with possible renewal for up to 12 months (in some territorial areas it can be paid for up to 24 months). More details on the operation of the Cassa Integrazione can be obtained from the INPS web page at the following address: