The Transformation of Labour Law in Europe - by Bob Hepple & Bruno Veneziani (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The labour laws of European democracies all underwent major transformations in the seven decades after the Second World War. Following reconstruction, these laws became an essential element in the building of welfare states; in the 1980s and 1990s they were the target of neo-liberal deregulation; and at the beginning of the 21st century new 'flexible' labour laws have attempted to integrate economic and social policy. This book, a sequel to 'The Making of Labour Law in Europe- A Comparative Study of Nine Countries up to 1945' (ed. B Hepple), compares the similarities and differences in the ways in which EU Member States reflected and shaped these general developments, in the context of economic, social and political changes over the period 1945-2004.

Note: the Publishers are issuing a reprint of the first volume, 'The Making of Labour Law in Europe - A Comparative Study of Nine Countries up to 1945' to coincide with publication of the sequel.

The great strength of the collection is on the focus on context, with chapters looking at developments in labour market trends and structures of worker represntation.

Review Quotes

"Whilst probably not a book for a general readership, this is by no means an exclusively academic text. There is much of interest for active trace unionists and those with an interest in pan-European developments affecting workers." --Darren O'Grady, European Review, Summer Issue

"...the field of comparative labour law and industrial relations has been greatly enriched by this volume and would certainly profit from a continuation in the series." --Dagmar Schiek, Industrial Relations Journal, Volume 42, Issue 6

"this historical study is of the utmost importance to the debate about the future of labour law

[the book offers a] comprehemsive panorame of developments of labour law in the different countries
Careful analysis, research based on interdisciplinary sources and lucid conclusions are the trade mark of this study.

I am extremely impressed by this study ... it is a must for everybody interested in the past, the present and the future of labour law in Europe." --Manfred Weiss, Industrial Law Journal, Volume 39, No. 1

About the Author

Bob Hepple, is Emeritus Master of Clare College and Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Cambridge.
Bruno Veneziani, is Professor of Labour Law and Comparative Trade Union Law, University of Bari.