“Max Mara workers strike to demand dignity, respect and rights”, 9 June 2025

The strike took place on May 21st but the media coverage came in recent days after some Max Mara workers told the Fatto Quotidiano that they were treated "like milk cows. They told us we were fat, obese, and they advised us what exercises to do at home to lose weight. They practically pay us by the piece and they even monitor how many times we go to the bathroom", writes the Roman newspaper. …

In a video from the Gazzetta di Reggio, the workers of Manifatture di San Maurizio described being harassed, working on a piecework basis and having difficulty in having a confrontation with the company.

FashionUnited has contacted Max Mara for comment; no official statement has been received at this time.

In a note, Filctem and Cgil, who organized the strike, state that "these workers are asking for dignity, respect and the guarantee of basic rights that in 2025 should not be the subject of negotiations.

“The protest is based on denied permits, imposed holidays, unsustainable rhythms that cause physical damage and occupational diseases, no salary recognition: this is the daily life of 200 employees who have now decided to say enough and ask for a constructive dialogue with management", concluded the union. "We ask that the Municipality, which will manage the redevelopment of the former Fair area together with Max Mara, does not forget about work but makes respect for contracts and union relations an important element of all future discussions", specifies the unions' note.

In the departments where the company makes coats, the workers live in “a toxic climate, made up of constant pressure, insults and grueling shifts,” the Roman newspaper reports.

[Translation via Google Translate]