Abstract

In this introduction, the Author, coordinator of a research project on the conciliation between professional and family life, develops some remarks about the relevant meaning of the word "family" in Italian labour law; moreover, she criticizes the widespread opinion that part-time and atypical jobs fit to conciliation, then to women, since conciliation is "a women's affaire". The Author carries out some further critical remarks on the recent decision of the European Court of Justice, according to which the difference in pensionable age provided by the Italian legislation in the public sector is discriminatory by reasons of sex and inconsistent with Art 141 of the Ect (equal pay).