L'associazionismo datoriale e di categoria delle imprese private in Italia e la sfida della moderna rappresentanza

Italian employers' associations in the private sector are experiencing a period of great transformation. Its most interesting example involves the biggest Italian associations: Confindustria, the oldest and most authoritative union representing manufacturing sector, will face a deep reform project (so-called “Riforma Pesenti”); Confcommercio and Confartigianato, respectively representing trade and crafts, are undergoing a marked decline in the number of their members, although CNA, representing craft too, is having a constant increase in memberships; Confapi, representing SME in manufacturing sector, undergoes a deep internal split as several association previously its members now funded a new representative confederation, Confimi Impresa. Meanwhile, Italian employers' association are experiencing interesting examples of the so-called “umbrella association”, such as Rete Imprese Italia and Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane, albeit characterized by some differences. This deep changes suggest that the traditional employers' model of representation isn't anymore suited to face the new challenges of modern labor market, global economy and industrial relations. Italian employers' association started massive intervention to innovate their structure, organization, mission, values, services, increasing international stategies while preserving relations whit territories.