In a large factory in Milan in the mid-70s, a few dozen workers organised themselves against both the management and the unions in an autonomous Workers' Political Committee. Soon, this 'Red Guard' consisted of hundreds of workers fighting against layoffs and relocation. The Committee did not stay shut up within the walls of the factory. It participated in numerous other struggles, such as strikes and demonstrations, which were raging across the whole of Italy. Crucially, it took part in attempts to unify the movement of workers' committees on a regional level.