The work-technology nexus and working-class environmentalism: Workerism versus capitalist noxiousness in Italy’s Long 1968

Abstract This article traces the trajectory of theory and praxis around nocività or noxiousness – i.e., health damage environmental degradation drawn by workerist group rooted in petrochemical complex Porto Marghera, Venice. While Maghera was an important setting for early activism influential theorists such as post-workerist Antonio Negri autonomist feminist Mariarosa Dalla Costa, theories produced workers themselves have been largely forgotten. Yet, this experience remarkable because it involved employed polluting industries denouncing words actions caused their companies from 1968, when workerists had a determining influence local factories. The Marghera struggles against contradict widespread belief that what is today known working-class environmentalism did not much significance labour unrest Italy’s Long 1968. group’s original contribution based on thesis inherent capitalist work antagonistic-transformative approach to technology. led proposal counterpower able determine “what, how, how produce” basis common needs encompassing environment, pointing utopian prospect struggling different, anti-capitalist technology, compatible with sustainable reproduction life planet.