Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore through fieldwork the actualities of the "Workers' Self-production Movement" through which workers reestablish management of bankrupt companies and take over management from the former owners. This movement raises two new arguments regarding labor movements: First, will worker ownership be effective as a strategy for employment security, compared to workers dismissed after bankruptcies? Second, can this approach build democratic structures to replace the hierarchical organizations of the past? In regards to the former question, this study concludes that though the reorganized firm is not fully sufficient for continued subsistence, it can be sustained if reformed so as to adapt to markets, cut personnel costs, secure human resources and acquire financing. On the latter point, I argue that democratic decision making is realized as "equality of input" through the sharing of information on business and allowing all workers to voice opinions, but there is no "equality of decisions making" due to differences of responsibility among workers.
