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Italian unions call strike at Kering over lack of clarity on strategy
Finance

Italian unions call strike at Kering over lack of clarity on strategy

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 7, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 7, 2026

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Italian Unions Announce Strike at Kering Amid Uncertainty Over Group Strategy

Strike Announcement and Background

Union Concerns Over Kering's Strategy

MILAN, May 7 (Reuters) - Italy's largest unions have called a strike on May 20 across all companies of French luxury group Kering, which has offices and a significant share of its production in the country, citing a lack of clarity over the group's strategy.

Details of the Dispute

"The move follows management's refusal to discuss a group-wide reorganisation plan known as 'ReconKering', which has never been presented to unions, as well as 54 job cuts announced at Alexander McQueen," the unions said in a statement.

Kering's Response

Kering, which owns brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, declined to comment.

Kering's Strategic Plan

In a strategic plan unveiled last month, Chief Executive Luca de Meo said he aimed to more than double Kering's profit margins, shrink and improve the company's store network and expand its jewellery sector.

(Reporting by Elisa Anzolin, editing by Giulia Segreti)

Key Takeaways

  • Unions are demanding dialogue and clarity on ReconKering, which was unveiled in mid‑April and aims to double margins, streamline operations and expand jewellery via a five‑hub structure (vogue.com).
  • The strike follows concern over 54 job cuts at Alexander McQueen in Italy, part of wider anxiety about the plan’s impact on employment across the group and its supply chains (toscanatv.it).
  • Stakeholders fear ReconKering’s aggressive cost and store‑closure targets—including plans to shutter at least 100 stores in 2026—lack labor consultation and risk destabilising Italian production hubs (vogue.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Italian unions striking against Kering?
The strike was called due to a lack of clarity over Kering's group strategy and refusal to discuss the 'ReconKering' reorganisation plan with unions.
When is the strike at Kering scheduled to take place?
The strike is scheduled for May 20 across all Kering companies in Italy.
What recent changes at Kering have concerned Italian unions?
Concerns include the 'ReconKering' reorganisation plan and 54 job cuts announced at Alexander McQueen.
Which luxury brands are owned by Kering?
Kering owns luxury brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta.
What goals were outlined in Kering's recent strategic plan?
The strategic plan aims to more than double profit margins, improve the store network, and expand into the jewellery sector.

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