La rappresentanza degli attori sindacali: riflessioni sul caso francese, in Dir. Rel. Ind., 2006, n. 4, p. 993-1001.

The representatiom of trade union actors: reflections on the Frenc case (Artiche in Italian) – Summary. The author discusses the report Pour un dialogue social efficace et légitime: Représentativité et financiement des organisations professionelles et syndacales drafted by a Commission chaired by Hadas-Lebel (President of a section of the Conseil d’Etat) in May 2006. The metod on which the analysis is based is considered by the author to be a form of benchmarking, aimed at improving the quality of social dialogue, enabling it to acquire greater effectiveness, and legitimacy. The author examines the tensions characterising the process of social dialogue, also in a comparative perspective with particular regard to the Italian situation. On the basis of thes overview of the French cases, with particular attention to the issues of representativeness, majority trade unions, also in the light of the US model, the role of collective bargaining and trade union funding, the article examines two alternative prospects for development: “adaptation” ad “transformation”. Specific attention is paid to the role of collective agreements, also in this case considered in a dual perspective of adaptation and change. In concluding the author provides on overview of the prospects for change in France. In identifying problematic issues in a comparative perspective relating to the reform of industrial relations systems, the process of benchmarking adopted in the report highlights the similarities between the European countries, albeit with their different traditions and norms, both in terms of critical issues and possible solutions with a view to reviving social dialogue.