After the Brandizzo case, MD Italia supermarkets in a state of agitation: protests and reports of mistreatment

The recent incident at the MD supermarket in Brandizzo has put the spotlight on working conditions in MD stores in Italy. An audio containing insults and the prohibition for cashiers to use the bathroom has led to a state of agitation among the 9 employees of the company. Faced with this situation, the national secretariats of Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs have called for an urgent mobilization.

The Workers' Protest

This morning, in front of the MD supermarket in Brandizzo, near Turin, a protest organized by Uil Tucs took place. The protest was triggered by the behavior of the store manager who, via a voice message in the company chat, had forbidden the cashiers to go to the bathroom during working hours. The manager had used offensive expressions, ordering the employees to "pee on themselves" if necessary.

Union Reactions

The director's words have raised a wave of indignation that has led the national secretariats of Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs to declare a state of agitation for all MD Italia employees. In a joint note, the unions have defined the director's behavior as "unacceptable", underlining that this episode is symptomatic of a broader problem regarding the respect and dignity of workers.

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Toxic Work Climate

According to the union note, the Brandizzo episode is part of a context characterized by oppressive working conditions. The unions denounce an oppressive and stressful work environment, aggravated by excessive workloads, irregular shifts and lack of respect for the basic needs of employees. All of this seriously compromises the mental and physical health of workers, as also demonstrated by the story of a former employee who said she resigned because of the insults she received.

Trade Unions' demands

The trade unions are calling for urgent action to improve working conditions and ensure respect for the fundamental rights of employees. Only through joint and coherent mobilization will it be possible to achieve the necessary changes and ensure a healthy and respectful working environment for all MD Italia supermarket workers.