‘Prova di Solidarietà’: How Effectively are Unions and Emerging Collective Worker Representatives Responding to New Business Models in Australia and Italy?

Abstract

This chapter examines the challenges for collective worker representation posed by new business models in Australia and Italy, and assesses the effectiveness of responses from trade unions and emerging worker representative groups. The study draws upon literature relating to different approaches to representation of workers’ interests, to explore the collective dimensions of labour relations in the context of franchising, labour hire, independent contracting, complex supply chains and the gig economy. It examines how unions in both countries have sought to represent workers in these fissured work contexts, and the emergence of other forums for collective representation. The analysis covers four main strategies to build worker power: collective bargaining; lobbying to obtain improvements in the regulatory framework; litigation to challenge particular business models; and self-organisation or spontaneous worker protests. The chapter concludes that a new form of solidarity is indeed emerging in response to the adoption of various business models in Australia and Italy. The strongest examples can be found where unions utilise a multi-pronged strategy involving public campaigning, litigation of individual or group claims and grass-roots organising.