Reports on experiences made regarding new structures and approaches in health services in four countries, with particular reference to the capacity and effectiveness of the social partners.

Il declino della produttivita' e della competitivita' dell'Italia ha radici lontane, che con l'Euro si sono acuite ma di cui l'Euro non tiene responsabilità. Esse sono radicate in fattori strutturali, dal lato della domanda, della distribuzione e dell'innovazione, che hanno posto in crisi la...

The chapter presents a model, where the union is interested in the level of wages, employment and the level of public expenditure. Social pacts are shown not only to lead to a superior macroeconomic performance, but to be also acceptable by unions. The key to their acceptability lies in the...

This paper introduces a contract between the government and trade unions in a model of strategic wage bargaining à la Lippi (2003). It shows that an optimal contract can be implemented through an appropriately defined inflation target.

Explores the development of joint voluntary initiatives and codes of conduct adopted in support of fundamental environmental and labour standards and shows how they provide new frameworks for the support of social dialogue. Provides case studies of several such initiatives and examines their...

Discusses the social impacts of privatization and restructuring of public utilities. Presents some case studies.

Discusses the social impacts of privatization and restructuring of public utilities. Presents some case studies.