Workers protest as Gucci plans to move design studio from Rome to Milan, claiming collective dismissal
In a historic move, approximately 50 Gucci employees in Italy have gone on strike to protest against the luxury brand’s plans to relocate a significant part of its design studio team from Rome to Milan. The employees argue that the relocation is a “mass redundancy in disguise.” Gucci, owned by French-based luxury goods group Kering, announced the move in October, intending to transfer 153 out of 219 design employees from Rome to Milan. The strike marks the first industrial action by creative professionals in Gucci’s 102-year history.
Employees Demand Reconsideration and Equal Conditions
Protesters gathered outside Gucci’s Rome offices, holding banners that read “Gucci cuts but doesn’t sew” and “At Gucci, redundancy is fashionable.” Union representative Chiara Giannotti stated that the design office in Rome is the heart of Gucci, where designers and couturiers work, and where all collections are born. Giannotti claimed that Kering is taking advantage of the restructuring to reduce staff numbers and push out employees who have been offered unsatisfactory conditions or cannot leave Rome due to familial obligations. The unions demand that the company reconsider its decision and provide equal conditions for all employees being transferred to Milan or moved to other Kering companies in Rome or Florence.
Uncertainty for Remaining Employees
The fate of the 66 other employees who are expected to remain in Rome is also uncertain, according to the unions. They argue that these employees should receive equal treatment and conditions as those being transferred to Milan. Federica Ricci, the regional secretary at the Filctem-Cgil union in the Lazio region, stated, “For us, this is a collective dismissal because not everyone has been offered the conditions to allow for a transfer, so many people will lose their jobs.”
Gucci Responds and Ensures Compliance
Gucci has maintained that the relocation does not involve a reduction in personnel and will be implemented in full compliance with current regulations. The company claims to have provided economic and support measures for the affected staff. In a statement, Gucci explained that the move to Milan would enable the creative director and the involved teams to work closely with the brand’s strategic functions already based in the city, maximizing necessary interactions and synergies.
A Brief History of Gucci and Internal Conflicts
Gucci, founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921, gained global recognition as an emblem of Italian dolce vita under the guidance of his son, Aldo Gucci. However, the Gucci family faced internal conflicts, leading to familial feuds. In 1969, Aldo’s son Giorgio launched his own venture called Gucci Boutique, further exacerbating the situation. The conflicts escalated with the death of Guccio Gucci’s third son, Rodolfo, in 1983. Maurizio Gucci, Rodolfo’s son, inherited the majority stake in the company and initiated legal action against Aldo to gain complete control. Tragically, Maurizio Gucci was fatally shot in 1995, and his former wife, Patrizia Reggiani, was convicted for hiring a hitman to carry out the murder.
Leadership Changes at Gucci
Gucci recently appointed Sabato de Sarno as artistic director, replacing Alessandro Michele, who made a significant impact on the label’s transformation over seven years with eccentric and gender-fluid designs and unconventional shows.
Conclusion:
The strike by Gucci employees in Italy highlights their resistance to the planned relocation of the brand’s design studio from Rome to Milan. The workers argue that the move is a disguised mass redundancy that will leave many without job alternatives. As the protests continue, the fate of the remaining employees in Rome remains uncertain. Gucci maintains that the relocation will not result in staff reduction and assures compliance with regulations. The outcome of this dispute will determine the future of Gucci’s design operations and the well-being of its employees.
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