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Populism and trade union internationalism: the case of Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Salvo Leonardi

    (420273Fondazione Giuseppe Di Vittorio, Rome, Italy)

  • Mimmo Carrieri

    (9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Voting analyses have documented how, behind worldwide successes of populist parties, lies growing support from manual workers, even those who are unionised. This reflects changes in political supply and demand, with manual workers frustrated by high costs they have paid in past years and disenchanted by the political vacuum left by traditionally pro-labour parties that had long given voice to their needs. What role do unions play? Can they still influence the voting of their declining but still more or less substantial membership? What are their narratives and organisational strategies on epochal challenges like immigration and EU integration? How can their sense of solidarity, universalism and labour internationalism cope with the growing fears, chauvinism and nationalism of a significant proportion of the working class? This article examines these questions from the perspective of Italy, using empirical data and qualitative insights on the partial success of union action. We conclude that there remains substantial potential for unions, through appropriate political choices, discursive strategies and socialisation with their members, to stem xenophobic and nationalistic inclinations in the world of work.

Suggested Citation

  • Salvo Leonardi & Mimmo Carrieri, 2020. "Populism and trade union internationalism: the case of Italy," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 26(3), pages 273-288, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:26:y:2020:i:3:p:273-288
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258920934329
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miguel Martínez Lucio & Stefania Marino & Heather Connolly, 2017. "Organising as a strategy to reach precarious and marginalised workers. A review of debates on the role of the political dimension and the dilemmas of representation and solidarity," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 23(1), pages 31-46, February.
    2. Glenn Morgan & Valeria Pulignano, 2020. "Solidarity at Work: Concepts, Levels and Challenges," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(1), pages 18-34, February.
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