Worker Co-ops Integrating with Unions and the State in Italy

The relationship between worker cooperatives and unions has not always been clear. It’s tempting to think unions are necessary in capitalist business but not in co-ops.  After all, aren’t co-ops already on the side of and organized by the workers? This discussion about co-ops in Italy shows how they can be integrated. How are co-ops in Italy different from those in the rest of Europe? Italy has never had an independent bourgeoise as in other European countries and the state is more involved in helping both capitalists and worker co-ops.