ABSTRACT
Politicians throughout continental Europe are quickly learning, sometimes to their own cost, that implementing what is arguably one of Europe's most urgent policy priorities, namely pension reform, requires either reaching some form of deal with the trade unions, or constructing broad parliamentary coalitions, or both at the same time. Analysis of the Italian pension reform therefore offers the opportunity for a critical re-examination of neo-corporatist theory with a view to understanding the aspects which need to be amended in the light of the re-emergence of concerted policy-making in Europe. Governments which are faced with the need to implement unpopular reforms may find it expedient to include broadly representative social groups in the policy-making process. Pension reform met with the fierce opposition of industrial workers, particularly metalworkers in the north of the country. Union leaders explained clearly to the rank and file why pension reform was both necessary and equitable.
