La Perla Seamstresses Rally at the European Parliament: Fighting for the Future of Italian Craftsmanship
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In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, La Perla's dedicated seamstresses took their concerns straight to the heart of European politics. On a Wednesday in Brussels, these employees of the renowned Italian innerwear company assembled at the European Parliament to share their story and call for legislative measures to protect their industry from the clutches of financial speculation.
A Cry for Help: Ugo Cherubini, the national secretary of the Italian union Filctem Cgil, emphasized the urgency of the situation. La Perla, a symbol of Italy's impeccable craftsmanship, was facing unprecedented challenges due to financial speculation. Cherubini stressed the need for immediate action, stating that the risk of letting speculators plunder Italy's economic and production network could have devastating consequences.
A Plea for Italy's Industrial Policies: Cherubini argued that without robust industrial policies in Italy, the entire country could fall victim to unscrupulous financial speculators. La Perla's skilled artisans, internationally recognized for their expertise, have orders to fulfill. Protecting their livelihoods is not just about saving one company; it's about preserving the essence of "Made in Italy" on the global stage.
A Persistent Battle: The demonstration in Brussels was not an isolated event. Over the past few years, La Perla has faced financial challenges, prompting unions like Cgil, Filctem Cgil, Uil, and Uiltec to speak out on multiple fronts. They have taken their concerns to the courthouse of Bologna, where the company has its historical roots, and urged the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to intervene and prevent the company's liquidation.
The Absence of a Clear Plan: One of the frustrations voiced by the unions is the absence of a clear industrial plan to revitalize La Perla. The company's owner, German businessman Lars Windhorst, has not provided a strategy for the brand's resurgence. La Perla employs approximately 330 workers in Italy, with 230 based at its Bologna manufacturing site. Regrettably, these employees have not received regular paychecks.
Financial Struggles Persist: Despite efforts to turn the tide, La Perla has struggled to regain its footing in recent years. Pre-tax losses of 48.8 million euros on sales of 69.1 million euros in 2022 were reported in the company's annual report. The promised 60 to 70 million-euro financing to relaunch the brand never materialized.
Exploring New Avenues: In an attempt to diversify and find new revenue streams, La Perla expanded into beauty and swimwear markets. It even became one of the pioneering brands to join Amazon Luxury Stores. The company invested $50 million in the now-closed British couture house Ralph & Russo.
Challenges Extend to the U.K.: The troubles faced by La Perla affected its U.K. operations as well. In July, winding-up petitions were filed by a group of British creditors, including Purple PR, accountancy firm Mazars, design agency Edge Retail, and consultancy firm HSO Enterprise Solutions. While some of these petitions were withdrawn after La Perla settled its debts, others, like the one from HSO Enterprise Solutions, remain unresolved.
A Storied Legacy: La Perla's journey dates back to its founding in 1956 by corsetry maker Ada Masotti. Over the years, ownership changed hands, but its legacy as a symbol of Italian craftsmanship endured.
In conclusion, the demonstration at the European Parliament underscores the dire situation facing La Perla and the broader Italian craftsmanship industry. The dedicated seamstresses of La Perla are fighting not just for their jobs but for the soul of "Made in Italy." Their plea for legislative protection and industrial support serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by traditional artisanal industries in an ever-changing global economy.