Industrial relations and new technologies: conflict, participation and concertation in the digital labour era

The paper focuses on the several challenges posed to industrial relations actors by the digitalisation of work, showing how the growing utilisation of increasingly sophisticated technologies in work performance may constitute both a source of conflict and an opportunity for dialogue for the social partners. In fact, the technological organisation of work, due to its effects on working conditions and employment, in addition to being a subject of bargaining, may constitute a reason for confrontation, if not even for mobilisation and actual conflict. At the same time, however, it cannot be ruled out that the digitalisation of the economy could lead both companies and trade unions to adopt collaborative practices that best address the challenges posed by the digital transition, i.e. combining the competitiveness needs of enterprises with the maintenance of employment levels and the quality of working conditions.