The human right to work in Italy: A conversation with Stefania Grimaldi of the social cooperative La Collina

Stefania Grimaldi works with the social cooperative La Collina in Trieste Italy.  This particular social cooperative was formed in 1988 and employees 200 people, 35 percent of which are considered “disadvantaged.”   In this episode, we briefly explore the origins of the social cooperative network in Trieste – starting with the first one called the Basaglia SC, which was features recently in a movie called 50 Years of CLU. We explore the two different types of social cooperatives – Type A and Type B.  In particular, we are interested in the Type B social cooperative because e they train and employ people who fall int the disadvantaged sector – which can involve physical and mental disability, substance use addiction and past experience with incarceration. What is interesting is how the social cooperative must operate like a business and coimpete in the market place to secure contracts to provide labor and services.  La Collina will be competing with other private entities – and therefore their workforce must be up to the job. We explore their pathway to work which involves mentoring and internship before full employment status is achieved.   The cost of the internship is underwritten by the health agency, ASUGI.   The take-aways for an American audience are threefold:·       Work is a human right, guaranteed by the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on Rights for Persons with Disabilities.  ·       So-called disadvantaged workers can achieve full employment and pursue their life aspirations·       The proper supports must be in place to ensure people are trained and prepared to pursue their employment goals