Gucci Staff Threaten to Strike Over Welfare Payment Dispute

Employees at fashion house Gucci in Italy are threatening strike action, accusing the Kering-owned brand of denying them a welfare bonus, Italian trade unions said on Tuesday.

Around 1,000 retail and logistics employees across Italy declared a “state of unrest”, the unions said, which under Italian labour laws is a form of industrial action that can lead to strikes.

The Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs unions said in a joint statement that they might announce potential action at a later stage.

Gucci did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The unions said that Gucci had previously given them assurances regarding the payment of a welfare bonus for 2025, as set out in an agreement for the 2022-2024 period. They claim that this agreement remains valid in the absence of a new deal.

However, Gucci now wants to tie the welfare payment to a broader review of incentive schemes for the 2022-24 period, unions said, rejecting the proposal as unacceptable.

“The company (...) has only wasted precious time, making a mockery of the workers who dedicate themselves daily in stores and have been waiting, and continue to wait, for the welfare payment,” their statement said.

Florence-based Gucci is Kering’s star brand, but it has struggled with falling sales in recent years, dragging down the entire French luxury conglomerate which is now pinning its turnaround hopes on new CEO Luca de Meo.

By Alvise Armellini; Editor: Susan Fenton

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