Prato, a textile city in Northern Italy, is safeguarding the standards  of its textile companies. Protection of workers is often difficult in small companies.  But if the workers band together, using critical mass, they can get services on more favorable terms. Many companies that supply services in the Prato area have joined together to provide less costly goods to the new grouping of workers.  The welfare of the district has thus far been favorably impacted by the new alliances.