Papers presented at the annual conference of the International Club Meeting of Labour Law Periodicals, held at the University of Modena, April 28-29, 2000.

From Rights to Management presents a powerful and thoroughly documented new thesis about the transformation of the concept of work during the period 1970-2000. The authors remind us of what we now easily forget: that, not so long ago, the right of an unemployed person to social security benefits and services was not questioned. Over the years, this right has been gradually replaced by a two-way bargain with the state. And in the place of this old 'social citizenship', there has arisen a government-corporate alliance that manages job seekers by contract. The shift from the needs of the person to the demands of business is complete. Those tempted to argue with this provocative thesis will find a formidable array of evidence assembled in this well-researched book. Focusing primarily on Australia--where the marketisation of welfare and employment services has gone farther than in any other country--Professors Carney and Ramia draw not only on the recent literature of several relevant disciplines, but also on in-depth interviews with thirty unemployed people from a wide range of backgrounds and situations. By assessing the inner workings and impacts of public management transformations on the lives of those most deeply affected, the authors provide a keen understanding of how the management theories, initiatives, and pretexts--economic and legal--work out in actuality. The interdisciplinary discussion incorporates debates about civil society, social capital, and other germane topics of great concern to scholars, policymakers, and administrators in this era of globalisation. A deep analysis of the new policy network of social services examines the types of contracts that govern the various parts of the system. The analysis concludes with a proposed new framework that reinstalls citizenship as the basis for welfare policy, but in a way that places real obligations and accountability on government and does not leave disadvantaged persons to fight a losing battle. No lawyer, professional, academic, or official in the social policy environment can afford to ignore this challenging work.

Thirty-three distinguished authorities in the field of labour and industrial relations law gather here to enhance and complement the work of the late Marco Biagi, a man who, at the time of his violent and untimely death, had shown himself to be the most insightful and committed international scholar in this complex and controversial and, as it proved, even dangerous field. The topics covered range over many of Professor Biagi's special interests, including the following: the formulation of a new basis for labour law that could resolve new issues; employee protection in corporate restructuring; the trend toward individual 'enterprise bargaining'; a new European employment policy and what it might entail; the growing phenomenon of 'flexibilisation'; the effects of an aging workforce; the crucial nexus of free trade, labour, and human rights; the promise of EU enlargement; and protection of part-time workers. There is a lot of insight, innovation, and just clear thinking in this wide-ranging and far-reaching book. It will be of exceptional value to scholars, lawyers, and others concerned with the extensive and unpredictable changes under way in today's world of work.

Dignity, Alvin L. Goldman

This book offers a critical reflection on the operation and effects of labour regulation. It articulates the broad goals and extensive potential for it to contribute to inclusive development, while also considering the limits of some areas of regulation and governance.

Examines the law affecting employment and labour relations issued by European Union and selected Member Countries, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC) and its Member Countries and some miscellaneaous countries. Includes a brief note on the structure and aims of the organization, the nature of its legal instruments, and, if appropriate, its supervisory machinery.

Traces the evolution of the Dutch Social Security since the 1960s, with particular reference to the impact of international conventions. Describes sickness and maternity befits, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, old age pensions and survivors benefits, etc.