Photo Credit: Getty Images
Employees of French luxury conglomerate Kering have launched a four-hour strike across its Italian branches, protesting the company's alleged unwillingness to engage in dialogue over working conditions and remote work policies. The strike, organized by three major unions,Filctem Cgil, Femca Cisl, and Uiltec Uil,affects staff at high-end brands including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Demonstrations are being held in Milan and Scandicci, near Florence, as workers voice frustration over what they describe as unilateral decisions by management. "The company's approach has shifted from negotiation to imposition," said union representative Massimo Bollini, citing Kering's recent decision to halve employees' remote work days from eight to four per month.
Kering Italia responded that it had communicated the policy change in advance and extended discussions with unions through September before implementing the new schedule in October. The group said the adjustment aligns with its global strategy and aims to promote workplace collaboration.
Still, unions insist that the issue runs deeper than remote work. "It's about respect for dialogue and workers' rights," Bollini told Reuters. "Decisions are being presented as final, without negotiation."
The strike comes as Kering faces slowing sales, mounting debt, and structural changes within its luxury portfolio. On Monday, the company announced the sale of its beauty division to L'Oréal, part of a broader strategy to stabilize finances.
While the disruption is expected to be brief, the protest highlights growing tension between global corporations and employees seeking flexible arrangements in the post-pandemic era. With many luxury firms striving to balance tradition and modern work culture, Kering's response to its workforce will likely influence similar debates across Europe.
For now, Italy's fashion capital has turned from runways to rallies, a reminder that even in haute couture, labor rights never go out of style.
