Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Notes
43 enterprises employing over 1 million people! in Italy
since 1850
supported by 1 of 3 groups
- Communist & Socialist
- Catholic
- Center-Left (Small)
Eliminated during Musolini
after ww2 all 3 organizations came together to ensure that cooperative were part of the governments new constitution
Article 45 Italian Constitution
“The Republic recognizes the social utility of cooperation for mutual benefit that is devoid of private speculative ends. The Constitution promotes and encourages the expansion of Cooperation.”
Emilia-Romagna home to 74 million people - 7500 coopers, 5000 work cooperatives, 30% of the economy. 2 out of 3 people are Coop Members
Used to have Militant Socialist Unions
Italian Policies for Cooperatives
Giovanni Marcora proposed an Italian Path to saving economy
Marcora Law - Legge Marcora
- Workers have first right to buy out the firm
- May use 3 years of unemployment insurance to buy into Cooperative
Gives State vehicle to invest in which to invest in worker owners to preserve jobs
- Basically is the princilple of saving jobs and productive capacity by forming Cooperatives
Fondo Mutalistico requires that all Coops put in 3% of Net Income into a fund whose purpose is to help promote new Coops, including buying out firms
in 1980 :2 new types formed in Italy
- Social Cooperatives - Social Health and Educational Services
- Provides jobs for Disadvantaged people
1991 given legal framework and sector exploded with growth
In Bologna 85% of all social services provided are by Cooperatives typically democratically owned by both people providing and receiving services.