Union threatens strike action over working conditions in Venice museums due to extreme temperatures

The Italian trade union Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) has threatened strike action over working conditions in Venice museums, alleging indoor temperatures above 30°C for weeks and perceived temperatures reaching 40°C due to humidity. USB says it has formally signaled a labor dispute affecting some sites in two museum clusters: the National Archaeological Museums of Venice and the Lagoon (MAN-VE-LAG) and the Veneto Regional Directorate of National Museums (DRMNV), including places such as the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at the Ca’ d’Oro and the Museo di Palazzo Grimani. The union specifically cited a “complete lack of maintenance” of fan coils and windows at the National Archaeological Museum of Venice and alleged staff were not provided water or heatstroke training, noting its guideline to request work suspension when perceived temperatures exceed 35°C. MAN-VE-LAG and DRMNV acknowledged difficulties in non-air-conditioned areas, said they shared operational guidelines and increased flexibility for staff breaks in cooler spaces, and stated they are working with Italy’s culture ministry on heat-adaptation solutions compatible with historic-building constraints.

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