Abstract

The author critically examines the present situation of the couple individual- collective in labour law affirming that a mechanical opposition of the two is to be considered old-fashioned, also because of the crisis of the concept of "collective interest": the social reality being characterized by a pluralism of interests of different groups, potentially conflicting. Nevertheless, the collective dimension remains important for the purpose of a regulation of labour market capable of mediating the different interests involved and, eventually, of serving the individuals. And the role of trade unions remain crucial, even if it needs to adequate to the new appearance if social interests and to the new forms of conflicts of the contemporary society.