Resolution fails to win debate in European Parliament

A resolution supporting foreign lecturers, who claim breaches of European employment law by Italy's universities, failed to win a debate in the European Parliament last week, but is expected to have a good chance next month, writes Domenico Pacitti.

Lecturers' leaders plan to lobby a pre-election gathering of Europe's socialist leaders in Milan next week. They hope to put their questions to British prime minister Tony Blair and Italian leader Massimo D'Alema. The lecturers will carry placards announcing the signing of the "Milan Declaration", which will carry the signatures of all lettori who refuse to be categorised as technical staff.