96113 - Labor Law, New Technologies and Sustainable Development

Learning outcomes

This course will explore two of the most critical challenges facing the contemporary world from a labour law perspective: the impact of new technologies, particularly digital advancements, on business activities, and the transformation of economic and productive systems towards sustainability in line with the Green Agenda. The lessons will equip students with the necessary tools to understand the relationship between these two challenges.

We will examine their synergies—such as how the promotion of remote work can reduce the need for frequent travel, thereby positively impacting pollution levels—as well as the inevitable contradictions that arise. For instance, halting polluting activities can lead to complex social and labour issues, including the risk of job loss, as highlighted by the Ilva case.

Course contents

The first part of the course will explore the impact of new technologies and social networks on workers' rights and, more generally, on labour law.

The following topics will be specifically addressed:

- Searching for work online: legal issues and opportunities

- Working through digital platforms, starting with the case law of food delivery riders

- Monitoring and control of workers through social networks and AI

- Remote working using computers and smartphones

The second part of the course will explore the topic of sustainable development and the protection of workers' rights in the context of climate change.

The following topics will be specifically addressed:

- Introduction to the concepts of sustainable development and just ecological transition

- Balancing the right to work and freedom of enterprise in the case of large polluting companies (the ILVA case and the Priolo case)

- Constitutional reform of Articles 9 and 41 of the Italian Constitution

- The employer's obligation to health and safety in a changing climate

- The protection of workers’ rights in the event of extreme weather events such as floods or heat waves

- The EU Due Diligence Directive

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students, the exam syllabus will coincide with the topics dealt with during lectures.

For non-attending students:

1) Regarding the impact of digital technologies and social networks on labour law:

- Lavoro digitale, a cura di Patrizia Tullini and Marco Novella, Giappichelli, 2022.

2) Regarding sustainable development and the impact of climate change on labour law (the academic articles listed below are published in open access or are otherwise accessible through university databases):

1. P. Tomassetti, Dal carbone al sole. Diritto del lavoro e identità sindacale nella transizione energetica (1800-2050), in Diritti lavori mercati, 2021, fasc. 1, pagg. 77-100.
2. R. Del Punta, Tutela della sicurezza sul lavoro e questione ambientale, in Diritto delle relazioni industriali, 1999, fascicolo 2, pp. 151-160.
3. G. Centamore, Un'agenda per il lavoro nella città della transizione ecologica, in Lavoro e diritto, 2025, fasc. 2, pagg. 253-277.
4. S. Laforgia, Se Taranto è l’Italia: il caso Ilva, in Lavoro e diritto, 2022, fascicolo 1, pagg. 29-51.
5. F. Grasso, La tutela dell'ambiente interno ed esterno all'impresa. Il fondamento giuridico e gli strumenti per una prevenzione integrata, in Diritto della sicurezza sul lavoro, 2024, 1, pagg. 123-150.
6. S. Cairoli, Sulle misure di tutela dei lavoratori per emergenza climatica, in AmbienteDiritto.it, 2024, fasc. 1, pagg. 1-21.
   
7. C. Carta, La transizione ecologica nelle relazioni sindacali, in Lavoro e diritto, 2022, fascicolo 2, pagg. 311-332.

Teaching methods

Professor Centamore will conduct classes that include lectures and discussion sessions. The lectures will systematically present topics according to the syllabus, while the discussion sessions will primarily focus on case law.

Assessment methods

Classes will be held during the first semester, and exams will begin in January.

During the exam, expected knowledge will be assessed to determine whether learning objectives have been achieved. The exam will involve an interview with the professor covering the topics outlined in the syllabus (see previous sections: "Contents" and "Readings/Bibliography").

The evaluation will focus on the following areas:

- Knowledge of institutional profiles

- Ability to analyse doctrinal and jurisprudential orientations

- Ability to connect various parts of the syllabus

- Capacity to develop critical arguments

- Clarity of presentation

Assessment criteria are as follows:

- **Insufficient**: Lack of knowledge of basic topics necessary for understanding the subject matter and an inability to analyse them, even with the instructor's support.

- **18-19**: Knowledge of basic topics covered in the course, exhibiting analytical skills with the instructor's assistance, using generally correct language.

- **20-24**: Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, with independent analysis skills applicable only to straightforward questions, using correct language.

- **25-29**: Knowledge of many topics covered in the course, with the ability to make independent critical analysis choices and to use specific terminology effectively.

- **30-30L**: Comprehensive knowledge of the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis and connection choices, mastery of specific terminology, and strong skills in argumentation and self-reflection. 30-30L.

Teaching tools

Classes will be conducted in accordance with the University’s guidelines.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or those with temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the appropriate University office as soon as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). This office will be responsible for recommending accommodations to the relevant parties. Any proposed accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess the suitability of these accommodations while taking the course's learning objectives into account.

For information about office hours, please visit the professor's website.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Centamore