Vatican Museums Workers Petition Pope Francis to Improve Working Conditions
49 workers at the Vatican Museums have sent a petition to Pope Francis demanding improved working conditions. The workers' lawyer Laura Sgro stated that they will file a lawsuit if their demands are not met.
Workers at the Vatican Museums have sent a petition to Pope Francis to improve their working conditions. The petition, signed by 49 workers, demands a change in conditions that undermine the dignity and health of every worker.
Laura Sgro, the workers’ lawyer, said the petition included demands for shorter working hours, higher wages and improved health and safety support. Speaking to the Guardian, one of the UK’s leading newspapers, Sgro said:
“Workers have tried many times to resolve this situation by writing individual petitions. But the demands went unanswered. This is why such a radical step has been taken. After many years of discussions, this is the first collective action. There are 49 people now, but I think this number will increase in the next few days.”
Reconciliation Process and Possible Litigation
According to the UK-based news agency Reuters, the petition is the first official step in a reconciliation process between management and employees under Vatican law. Lawyer Sgro stated that if the process fails, they will file a lawsuit against the administration of Pope Francis in the Vatican Court.
“With this action we want to start a constructive process. We hope that this will be an occasion for a general reconsideration of the working rules in the Vatican.”
Unprecedented Legal Process in the Vatican
According to Reuters, the move by Vatican workers has triggered an “unprecedented legal process”. Lawyer Sgro said that the Vatican’s labor law does not have clear provisions on compulsory leave. He also argued that workers who were not actively working due to the pandemic quarantine were asked to pay back the salaries they were paid during this period.
Silence in the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, which employs around 700 people, declined to comment on the allegations. The Vatican Museums, one of the most visited museums in the world, hosted around 7 million people last year.
In light of these developments, it remains a matter of great curiosity whether the demands of the workers working at the Vatican Museums will be met and how this process will end. The workers’ quest for their rights could be an important step towards a review of working conditions at the Vatican.
