LABOUR LAW

Labour law is one of the fundamental pillars for understanding contemporary social dynamics and is an essential area of study within a degree programme in Social Sciences and Social Work. It deals with the regulation of relations between workers and employers, focusing on the protection of workers – who are considered the weaker party in the contract – and promoting conditions of fairness, dignity and safety. In a social work-oriented programme, labour law takes on particular significance as it enables students to acquire useful tools for understanding situations of vulnerability linked to employment, unemployment and job insecurity. Knowledge of legal provisions enables a critical analysis of changes in the labour market and informed intervention in professional contexts. These aspects are particularly significant for social workers, who are called upon to guide people through welfare systems and to promote pathways to employment or re-entry into the workforce. Finally, the course aims to foster a critical awareness of inequalities in the world of work, with a focus on discrimination based on gender, age, origin and social status. In this sense, labour law is not merely a set of rules, but a dynamic tool for promoting social justice. Through theoretical lectures and practical case studies, students will acquire basic legal knowledge and the ability to apply it in professional contexts, consolidating their role as informed and competent future social workers.

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the fundamental principles of employment law and interpret its main sources of legislation. They will be able to identify the different types of employment relationships and the associated protections, as well as analyse situations of employment vulnerability. They will acquire skills useful for guiding individuals and families through employment services and policies, with a particular focus on social protection mechanisms. They will also be able to apply basic legal knowledge in social work practice, developing a critical understanding of inequalities and promoting interventions to protect workers’ rights.

no pre-requirement requested

The course provides a systematic introduction to employment law, beginning with the constitutional foundations and the main sources of legislation—both national and European—with an overview of their development and their role in regulating relations between the social partners.
A central part is devoted to employment: the concept, distinguishing criteria from self-employment, the establishment of the relationship, the rights and duties of the parties, the employer’s powers (managerial, disciplinary and supervisory) and their limits. The main types of contract (permanent and fixed-term, part-time, apprenticeship) and forms of flexible working are examined. The course also covers the regulations governing pay, working hours, holidays and leave, as well as health and safety protections. The suspension and termination of the employment relationship are discussed, with particular reference to dismissals and resignations. A specific module is devoted to collective bargaining, the role of trade unions and worker representation, highlighting the dynamics of collective protection. Particular attention is paid to conditions of vulnerability in the labour market (unemployment, job insecurity, low-paid work, discrimination on grounds of gender, age and origin) and to the role of labour law in preventing and combating them. In this context, the changes brought about by technological innovation and artificial intelligence are also analysed: the digitalisation of production processes, platform work, algorithmic management of work, and the impacts on rights, control and the organisation of work. The main emerging protection mechanisms and the associated regulatory challenges are introduced. Finally, the main labour policy and income support instruments (social safety nets and active inclusion measures) are presented, with a focus on their relevance for social work intervention and for supporting people through pathways to employment and re-entry into the labour market.

Materials will be provided during the course.
The professor will be available for one hour per week for a dedicated meeting with the categories of students listed on the page https://www.unive.it/pag/42819/ for clarifications, in-depth discussions, and study support. The meeting should be scheduled via email with the professor.

The oral exam consists of 3 open questions. Each question will be awarded a mark ranging from 0 to 30. Passing the examination requires a minimum mark of 18 in at least two out of three questions.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Regarding the grading (how the marks will be awarded):
Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the syllabus;
- limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to Welfare and sustainability Law
Scores in band 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
- discrete knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, making autonomous judgments;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to Welfare and sustainability Law
Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or very good knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- good or very good ability to collect and/or interpret texts by making autonomous judgments;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to Welfare and sustainability Law.
Honours will be awarded for excellent knowledge and ability, applied understanding with reference to the syllabus, judgement and communication skills.

The course will consist of lessons, seminars/workshops held by attendance students, meetings with experts or operators.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development