"Regulation of conflict is not currently part of the European social model. This contribution suggests methods for underpinning the European social model with a robust system of industrial relations. One important issue is that of transnational strikes. The author sets out a number of hypotheses for what might constitute legitimate strike action in European terms. Dispute prevention and settlement procedures should be an important part of a European industrial relations system. Italian legislation on public-service strikes, with its focus on users as well as strikers, is discussed. The Italian model provides useful pointers for a European system, balancing as it does the collective and individual interests of the workers and users involved in labour conflicts. "

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