Mafiosi, at least for a while, had serious problems with the Fascists. Ideologically aggressive, the Fascist regime naturally wanted to monopolize protection and offered a better deal than the mafiosi to the protected elites, who promptly abandoned their previous suppliers. But the mafia has also had problems, if of a different nature, with left-wing trade unionists, who could prove to be an unbeatable competitor; for if work and land are perceived as rights, fairness in labor relations is enforced, and protection is offered for free, the mafia is out of business.

Pays off: "Mafia emerges where demand for protection is strongest."

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 231