Tension in the luxury supply chain. On October 21st, Kering employees went on strike for 4 hours in Italy. The cause isn’t for possible layoffs, but for the reduction of remote-working days. Dquadred2 has meanwhile cut 40 out of 262 jobs in Italy. A slimming treatment to become more attractive in view of a brand sale?
Kering employees on strike
Kering employees working in Italy went on strike, as trade unions that sponsored the initiative announced protests in Milan and Scandicci (Florence). All brands controlled by Kering were affected, including major ones such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent. The strike was called for two reasons: the first is the reduction of remote-working days from 8 to 4 per month; while the second is that the decision was allegedly taken unilaterally.
And more generally, the unions complain of a deterioration in labor relations with the company. Il Sole 24 Ore reports Kering’s clarification: according to the French luxury giant, the remote-working agreement expired in December 2024, to then be extended twice: on May 30 and September 30, 2025. But as of October, the reduction took effect “in line with the group’s global strategy to promote cohesion, collaboration and professional development, as well as ensuring consistency with the approach of many of the companies in the sector”.
40 layoffs at Dsquared2
Dsquared2 has opened collective dismissal proceedings affecting 40 employees in Milan out of 262 total. A staff cut “in response to the changing market landscape” and “strategic reorganization across its global offices”, the company said in a note. The procedure will be completed early 2026. Industry sources reported by WWD speculate that the staff reorganization is a consequence of founders Dean and Dan Caten’s decision to internalize the brand’s production and distribution. While others speculate on a slimming down of the structure with the goal of finding a buyer.
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