For over two years, laid-off auto workers in Florence, Italy, have done more than just protest—they’ve completely transformed their shuttered factory into a bold vision for the future. After being abruptly dismissed, the workers took over the GKN auto plant and refused to walk away, turning it into the longest factory occupation in Italian history.
But this isn’t just a story of defiance—it’s about innovation, solidarity, and hope. Together with environmental groups and students, the workers launched a plan to reimagine the factory as a hub for clean energy and sustainable transportation. From building cargo bikes to crafting solar panels, they’re proving that everyday people can drive change. Crowdfunding efforts have drawn supporters from across Europe, fueling a worker-led “reindustrialization from below.” In a world facing climate crisis and job insecurity, these factory workers are showing what’s possible when communities refuse to give up. Their story has sparked a movement—and it’s only just beginning.