Globalization and industrial relations: the role of co-operatives

Rapid economic growth at a global scale has reached levels with no historical precedent. Globalisation, and the wave of change it brings now involves every aspect of society. Through new technologies, supported by liberal political reforms, the world is now more connected than it ever was. Whilst globalisation has brought along new opportunities and benefits for many, millions of workers and enterprises have had to adapt to face new challenges. Along came new streams of international investors and multinationals, both in Italy and Europe-wide, and a global market took shape. These factors, along with the growth of the tertiary sector made a fundamental rethinking of the classical trade union system, based on the centrality and mandatory nature of a collective labour agreement, necessary. This situation has placed limitations and burden on society as a whole, and consequently on the established industrial relation models. Historical trade unions have been worn down and fragmented, losing their power of intervention to the point that many workers’ movements are no longer fit for purpose. Modernisation is a route to follow, but some bricks to pave the way are still missing. Using a co-operative structure, for instance, could be the most appropriate choice as an alternative form of industrial partnership, either to complement or to replace the classic trade union format. In co-operatives, the lawyer, in synergy with the social entities involved, could find a useful working tool.