Vatican Museums staff launch legal action over labor conditions

STORY: The lawyer for 49 Vatican Museums employees who launched a dispute over what they say are poor working conditions has said the group faced an environment that undermined their "dignity and health."

The employees' unprecedented claims could lead to an embarrassing lawsuit against Pope Francis' administration.

Laura Sgrò spoke to Reuters on Monday (May 13).

"The employees are complaining about labor conditions that violate their dignity and do not respect the basic rights of any worker. There are some critical points about which the employees have already complained several times over the years, even individually. Having received no feedback, they decided to address me jointly. They are a small group of almost 50 people that I believe will also grow quickly over time."

Sgrò says the group's claims include extra working hours paid at lower rates and insufficient health and safety provisions.

She added that the group only decided on this action after, quote, "all their demands and requests over years were left unanswered."

A spokesman for the Vatican Museums declined to comment.

The workers, mostly museum attendants, sent their petition to the Vatican's "Governatorato," the body that administers the Vatican City State.

Around 700 people are employed at the Vatican Museums.

The 49 involved in the dispute are all Italian citizens, and have been employed at the Vatican for many years.

Unions are not allowed in Vatican City.

One of the most visited museums in the world, the Vatican Museums showcase a priceless art collection, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

The petition represents the first formal step in a mandatory conciliation process under Vatican law.

If the procedure fails, the case can then be brought to a Vatican Court.