Workers in Italy’s gaming sector are “united to make their voices heard” on extended Covid-19 shutdowns. They are demanding that the new government offer some clarity on the suspensions and suggest a time when they could return to work.
Employees of licensed gaming firms held joint public protests at Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and Rome’s Piazza del Popolo on February 18 in a protest approved by all Italian gambling trade bodies and unions, according to SBC News. The protesters say the shutdowns have had dire consequences for 150,00 industry workers and their families. They are supported by more than 170 businesses including bingo halls, betting shops, arcades, bars and equipment suppliers, who have faced months without any government update on the reopening of venues.
Protestors demanded that the government allow betting shops and gaming halls to reopen within Italy’s “Covid-mild yellow zone” regions.
In its statement, Legal Gaming Workers said the “dignified protest” was planned on behalf workers of a sector that contributes “€4.5 billion per year in taxes” that should be recognized as the “last defense against the black market.”
The announcement of the protest coincides with this week’s Parliamentary vote to approve the formation of a new coalition government led by former ECB President Mario Draghi.
