Developments for La Perla employees in Italy are currently at a standstill after a roundtable meeting did not result in a plan. The meeting, which was summoned by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, included trade unions and representatives for the company. However, Lars Windhorst, the owner of La Perla, was notably absent and reportedly attended the meeting via streaming.
Last August, it was reported that La Perla had failed to pay July wages to its employees. The Filctem-Cgil and Uiltec-Uil unions highlighted this issue in a joint statement. It is understood that those wages were eventually paid, but as of Tuesday, the August wages had not been paid. The company assured the unions that the wages would be wired by September 10.
During the roundtable, Italy’s undersecretary Fausta Bergamotto urged La Perla to submit an industrial plan by mid-October and meet with Lars Windhorst in person to understand his relaunch plan. She also emphasized the expectation for the company to honor its duty and pay the August wages. While the government is willing to help, Bergamotto stated that the state is not a debit card.
Meanwhile, about 130 La Perla employees staged a demonstration at the headquarters of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Stefania Pisani, the general secretary of the Filctem-Cgil union, expressed partial satisfaction with the company’s assurance of wage payment but criticized the lack of a concrete relaunch plan.
La Perla did not respond to requests for comment. The company has struggled to relaunch steadily since being taken over by Tennor in 2018. It remains heavily indebted, reporting pre-tax losses in 2022.
In an effort to improve its financial position and relaunch the brand, La Perla issued 50 million euros in bonds last month. The company has also explored new revenue streams by expanding into beauty and swimwear, as well as joining Amazon Luxury Stores and investing in Ralph & Russo.
The troubles faced by La Perla have also impacted its U.K. operations, as it resolved winding-up petitions filed by British creditors. While most of the petitions have been withdrawn after the company paid its debts, La Perla still owes HSO Enterprise Solutions over 701,129 pounds.