nearly 50 employees denounce their working conditions with an unprecedented procedure

Around fifty employees of the Vatican Museums have initiated legal proceedings to challenge their working conditions and the lack of safety for staff and visitors.

“Working conditions undermine the dignity and health of each employee. The mismanagement is obvious, and it would be even more serious if it was due to the sole aim of generating more profits,” write the employees in the Italian daily The Corriere della Sera who revealed the affair this Sunday, May 12.

The forty-nine employees concerned – including 47 guards – sent a formal notice to Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the governorate of Vatican City State which exercises the executive power of the Holy See, under the authority of the Pope.

This procedure is presented as unprecedented since it is the first class action (group proceedings) initiated by Vatican employees. In fact, the city-state does not recognize unions. If mediation is not put in place, then it will be legal action in due form.

Binding rules and arbitrary promotions

The plaintiffs accuse their employer of not always respecting labor laws. Thus, during the Covid-19 pandemic, employees forced to stay at home due to the closure of museums had to reimburse, from their salaries, the hours not worked.

Shortcomings also noted with Social Security. The complainants indicate that in the event of sick leave, and whatever the reason, they are not authorized to leave their home. Social affairs inspectors can arrive at any time, as there are no time slots for control visits. Some were even punished while they were at the doctor's office.

Employees also ensure that overtime is paid less than ordinary working hours. Assignments and promotions would be distributed in a completely arbitrary manner. They also denounce non-existent social security coverage in the event of cessation of activity: “In the Vatican, there is no unemployment insurance, no financial support measures in the event of a crisis or total loss of activity,” the plaintiffs note.

Finally, employees criticize the Vatican for accepting a higher number of visitors than set by security rules, endangering staff but also visitors. A significant element when we know that the Vatican Museums are the second most visited museum complex in the world. Millions of visitors come each year, particularly to admire the Sistine Chapel. A valuable source of income for the Holy See which now has thirty days to follow up.