European Societies - vol. 8 n° 2 -
"This article examines the work–life balance system in Italy, with particular regard to the role played by extra-statutory arrangements and provision – extra leave, benefits and allowances for parents provided by employers, in-company crèches, family-friendly working hours, etc. – originated from collective bargaining and industrial relations at company-level. The Italian pattern of welfare state and women's employment is characterised by weak state support, a relevant role of intergenerational solidarity, one of the lowest fertility rates and still low women's activity rates. As for human resource management and industrial relations' contribution to work–life balance, empirical evidence shows that a certain number of extra-statutory arrangements and provision has been implemented at company level. Though, they are not enough to fill the gap with countries where state social protection is higher. The articles argue that industrial relations may play an important role in fostering a better work–life balance, on condition that a priority is given to decentralised collective bargaining and new ‘territorial pacts' involving a wider range of social actors – not only unions and the companies, but also families, local governments, caregivers and the cared-for. Particularly for unions, this could be a possible response to unionisation decline."
"This article examines the work–life balance system in Italy, with particular regard to the role played by extra-statutory arrangements and provision – extra leave, benefits and allowances for parents provided by employers, in-company crèches, family-friendly working hours, etc. – originated from collective bargaining and industrial relations at company-level. The Italian pattern of welfare state and women's employment is characterised by weak ...
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