Abstract

In this abridged version of his introductory report to the 10th European Congress of Labour Law (Sevilla, Spain 23-25 September 2011) the author sketches the main features of the present crisis of Labour Law. The main chapters of this crisis are considered to be the consequences of the changed relationship between the recent economic developments and the institutional framework in democratic societies. Particularly, unemployment is the elements which challenges Labour Law and - at least according to some approaches - is going to change its very nature: from rebalancing the power of the parties to the creation of employment opportunities. The author concludes on this point asserting that Labour Law must continue to guarantee dignity and freedom of workers even taking into account the context of new economic conditions.