The essay analyses the role of unions representatives at the plant level in the Italian labour relations system. In particular, the Author focuses on the new trade unions organisations within the factory called «rappresentanze sindacali unitarie». He analyses the structure and the functions of the rsu and outlines the shortco-mings of the new formula. In this ambit, the problem of industrial democracy is also taken into particular consideration. The Author finally goes into the future perspectives of the trade unions organi-sations at the factory level.