Il sindacalismo “bianco” nella crisi dell’Italia liberale

Abstract

This study contributes to the field of trade union studies within the context of crisis in liberal Italy. Specifically, it aims to explore the experience of “white” trade unionism from the early 20th century up to the factory occupations in September 1920. The investigation begins with the evolution of mutual aid societies, which failed to adapt to the structural changes in the capital-labor relationship brought about by industrialization. The stark differences between the old and new economies became particularly evident during the factory occupations, marking a pivotal point for analyzing two critical aspects: the evolution of Christian social thought amidst peak tensions between workers and companies in liberal Italy, and the internal dynamics within the newly founded Italian Confederation of Workers (Cil). A comparative analysis of the Catholic-inspired trade union and the Italian People’s Party enriches the discussion, which is further supplemented by examining the editorial stance of the Catholic periodical «Il momento» of Turin. The analysis elucidates the actions of the ‘white’ trade organization, the National Union of Metalworkers (Snom), highlighting its significant impact on the labor disputes of 1920, which extended well beyond its numerical representation among organized workers.