Negative Social Dialogue versus Positive Social Dialogue

In: European journal of social security, Band 3, Heft 2, S. 87-105

Abstract

This paper draws upon research exploring progress in achieving the 'adaptability pillar' of the 1997 European Employment Strategy. Using two national case studies, France and Belgium, it explores two highly different traditions and conceptions of social partnership, introducing ideas of 'negative' and 'positive' social dialogue, and arguing for the necessity of the latter for attaining significant progress. The paper highlights the value of such a typology as a useful analytical tool in the continuing development of social partnership and a healthy European Employment Strategy. 'There is nothing more difficult to devise, where success is less assured and implementation more difficult to achieve, than the creation of a new system' (Machiavelli, The Prince, 1563).