Abstract

The essay tries to analyze the relationship between the model of tripartite negotiations, among Government, employers and trade unions at national level, called "social concertation", and employment. The Italian system of industrial relations has practised this model of social partners involvement since 1993, when it has been stipulated a social pact aiming to plan an income policy strategy. The following Pacts of 1996 and 1998 have changed the policy objectives by focusing the attention of the all actors on labour market issues (flexibility, education, vocational training) on the side of labour demand. The model has worked successfully in guaranteeing social stability. But the trend has been upset by the "White Paper" of recent Government quite non in accordance of suggestions coming from European Union, which suggest to the member States to follow the tripartite models of industrial relations in national and European Union contexts.