Conflict is increasing La Fenice Theater in Venicewhere since September 22 all employees have requested to withdraw from the position of music director a Beatrice Venezi. In the same hours in which management has disseminated data on the increase in subscribers, aiming to undermine the idea of difficulty for the theater (however, Venezi will take office in 2026, and in 2026 after that). 150 season ticket holders threatened not to renew) the news came from representatives of the joint union that constitutes the Theater/Foundation steering committee, on November 19 – in the same meeting where they gave their support to Venezi and inspector Nicola Colabianchi who nominated him – cast his vote unanimously do not pay winter installments of what is called “welfare company”, a bonus of about 1,300 euros (divided in two installments) that has been given to theater workers for seven years, considering the excellent results obtained.
The news was reported unitary trade union representatives Theatre, defines that choice as punishment. This is a set bonus 2018around 1,300 euros, negotiated and confirmed year after year. “An instrument of economic satisfaction that the workers of this theater obtain with many years of commitment and a balanced budget over many years, which is unique in Italy” underlines the union representative. It is also a way to raise wages set by national collective agreements, which are certainly much lower in Venice’s city center than in other regional capitals. “We are very disappointed with the decision CDI has also taken one month before ChristmasRSU continued, while management has been talking about the “Phoenix model” for a decade, those who build this model every day will be punished today. Punished for having expressed, in a lawful and democratic manner, an opinion different from their own. Being punished for differences of opinion that are not personal, but are shared by the world of work that we represent.”
The theater management itself confirmed this bonus freezebut bringing it back to simple budget reasons. “The decision will be reviewed at the Board of Directors next Spring 2026, at the time of definitive approval of the 2025 budget, when the economic-financial framework is complete and definite. Management also determined that “this welfare progress refers to 2025, and is a unilateral and liberal provision of the Foundation. This is not provided through collective bargaining”. But the theater employees know this well.
Al Finished they said that a few weeks ago there was talk about whether or not this bonus might be confirmed, and they were told that there would be no problem. But, on the other hand, he had also been told, four days before his appointment as music director, that Beatrice Venezi he wouldn’t be appointed any time soon, and not without their approval. “But we want to reassure everyone: the retaliatory actions carried out do not intimidate us – reiterate the theater employees – We hope that those who have the power to reverse this sad decision will regard the workers not as dangerous subversives but as citizens who are aware of their important social role and who make every effort to express it as best as possible inside and outside their working hours.”
The split in the Theatre, which now appears a clear separation between employees and management (the latest public-supported protest on the occasion of the opening of the opera season on Friday) is becoming clearer. Even in 2024, when workers – for various reasons, related to the company organization – went on strike three times, there was no thought of suspending bonuses.
