The Italian Labor Movement in 1956: The Structure of Crisis

Abstract

The development of a democratic, anti-Communist, and effective labor movement in Italy is rendered difficult by several things: the lack of po litical unity and a single economic ideology of the large national federations, the top-heavy administrative structure, and the well-rooted system of highly centralized control. Industry-wide bargaining has proved ineffective in getting the greatest benefits to labor in various sections of the country. Factory unions are being looked upon now as the answer; they have begun to be established but have not yet become effective instruments. What is needed is a new type of leadership which can build the labor movement from the bottom up rather than from the top down. Young labor leaders are now being trained, and in their hands lies the key to the future of the Italian labor movement.—Ed.