Laura Sgrò : “Vatican Museums Workers Protest”

Rome – Vatican Museums Employees Initiate Labor Dispute Over Working Conditions

In a recent development, nearly 50 employees of the Vatican Museums have raised concerns about the working conditions at the Holy See, sparking a labor dispute that may lead to a class action lawsuit against Pope Francis’s administration.

According to reports from Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the complaint has been filed by 49 employees, including 47 custodians, an art restorer, and a bookshop employee. They are represented by Italian lawyer Laura Sgrò, who handles several high-profile cases involving the Holy See.

Concerns Raised

The employees have voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as poor, unfair, and unsafe working conditions at the Vatican Museums. They claim that the current rules in place are detrimental to their health and dignity.

Sgrò, in a petition to Cardinal Fernando Vèrgez Alzaga, highlighted the labor conditions that are undermining the well-being of the workers. She expressed concerns about the management practices in place, suggesting that they prioritize profit over the welfare of the employees.

Legal Process

As per Vatican law, the petition initiates a mandatory conciliation process. If this process fails to resolve the issues, it could lead to a class action lawsuit being brought before a Vatican court. The Vatican has 30 days to respond with any measures they plan to take before legal proceedings commence.

Specific Complaints

Employees have raised various grievances, including being required to stay home all day when sick, lack of distinction for seniority, and penalties for taking time off to care for family members. They also allege discrepancies in overtime pay and restrictions on sick leave verification procedures.

COVID-19 Impact

One of the key issues highlighted in the petition is the dispute over income for hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees claim that they were required to stay home during the pandemic but did not receive adequate compensation for the lost hours.

Safety Concerns

Employees have also raised concerns about safety measures at work, particularly in relation to the high number of visitors at the Vatican Museums. They claim that safety protocols are not being followed, posing risks to both employees and visitors.

Community Impact

Outside of the Vatican walls, residents in a building opposite the museums have also voiced complaints about noise disturbances caused by early morning crowds waiting to enter the museums. The residents have sought intervention from both Italian police and Vatican authorities.

Resolution Challenges

Efforts to address the noise complaints have faced challenges, with residents calling for action to be taken to ensure a peaceful living environment. However, jurisdictional complexities have led to a stalemate in finding a resolution to the issue.

Conclusion

The labor dispute at the Vatican Museums highlights the importance of addressing employee concerns and ensuring a safe and fair working environment. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the issues raised by the employees will be addressed by the Vatican authorities.