Digitalisation of work and industrial relations in Italy: an overview

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 confict 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, besides being a subject of bargaining, may constitute a reason for confrontation, if not even for mobilisation and actual confict. 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.