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Dismissal and Discrimination: Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Labor Section, No. 36776 of 2022

The judgment No. 36776 of 2022 by the Court of Cassation provides important reflections on the legitimacy of dismissal and potential discrimination in employment relationships. In this article, we will analyze the key points of the decision, highlighting the applicable regulations and the implications for Italian and European labor law.

The Context of the Judgment

In the case at hand, A.A. challenged the dismissal received from the bankruptcy trustee of a company, arguing that it was discriminatory and unjustified. The Court of Appeal of Naples, accepting the trustee's appeal, rejected the claimant's requests, stating that there was no evidence of discrimination or illegitimacy in the dismissal.

The Court excluded that the dismissal could be classified as discriminatory or retaliatory, fully rejecting the claims made by the claimant.

Principles of Equality and Non-Discrimination

A central element of the judgment is the reference to the principles of equality and non-discrimination, enshrined in Italian and European regulations. Article 24 of the Italian Constitution and Articles 20 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union clearly establish that every person has the right to be treated without discrimination. However, the Court deemed that in this specific case there were not sufficient elements to demonstrate discriminatory behavior by the employer.

  • The principle of non-discrimination is a fundamental right in the European Union.
  • Discrimination is defined as an unjustified different treatment compared to other workers.
  • The Court confirmed that the burden of proof lies with the worker who reports discrimination.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the judgment No. 36776 of 2022 by the Court of Cassation offers an important clarification on the delineation of the boundaries between the legitimacy of dismissal and discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of concrete evidence from the worker, highlighting that mere suspicion of discrimination is not sufficient to annul a dismissal. This case remains a reference point for future disputes in labor law and fundamental rights.