ROME – Nearly 50 employees of the Vatican Museums have initiated a labour dispute with the Holy See over what they allege are poor, unfair and unsafe working conditions, and which could result in the first-ever class action lawsuit brought against Pope Francis’s administration. At the same time, some local residents are fuming and say they are close to breaking point due to the noisy and inconsiderate behaviour of pilgrims and tourists.
First reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the workers' complaint has been lodged by 49 out of roughly 700 employees of the Vatican Museums – comprising 47 custodians, an art restorer, and a bookshop employee – represented by Italian lawyer Laura Sgrò, who handles several other high-profile cases involving the Holy See.
