13518 - Advanced Employment Law

Course contents

The course will address the following topics from both a theoretical and a practical perspective.

1. Labour Law in the Context of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

1.1. The constitutional balance between the right to work, the protection of the environment and public health, and the freedom of economic enterprise.

1.2. The protection of workers' health and safety during heatwaves.

1.3. Labour law responses to extreme weather events (floods, hurricanes, etc.).

2. Strikes and Collective actions in National and Supranational Case Law

2.1. Recent developments in Italian case law on the right to strike.

2.2. The right to strike as a fundamental right under the ILO Conventions: an analysis of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 21 May 2026.

2.3. The compatibility of Italian legislation governing strikes in essential public services with the European Social Charter: an analysis of the decision of the European Committee of Social Rights published on 13 March 2026.

3. The Wage Crisis and Recent Legislation on the Constitutionally Fair Wage (Decree-Law No. 62/2026)

3.1. The Italian framework for determining the minimum wage.

3.2. The role of the courts.

3.3. The role of collective bargaining.

3.4. Recent legislation on the constitutionally fair wage (Decree-Law No. 62/2026).

Readings/Bibliography

For students who attend the course, the examination syllabus will correspond to the topics covered during the lectures, including the relevant legislative materials, case law, and academic literature discussed in class.

Students who do not attend the course are requested to contact the instructor for guidance on the reading materials required for examination preparation.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught by the Professor and will be offered during the first semester.

Teaching will combine lectures with discussion sessions, with particular emphasis on the analysis of case law.

Among the three main topics covered in the course and discussed during these sessions—labour and the environment, strikes and collective labour disputes, and the minimum wage—students will have the opportunity to select one or more areas for further in-depth study under the guidance of the Professor.

Assessment methods

As the course is offered during the first semester, students may sit the examination from the January examination session onwards.

Assessment consists of an oral examination covering one or more of the topics addressed during the course and included in the recommended reading for the examination.

Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the subject matter, their ability to present legal issues clearly and accurately, and their capacity for critical analysis of legal institutions, case law, and academic scholarship.

The following descriptors provide an indication of the level of achievement associated with each grade range:

• 18–19 (Pass): appropriate use of legal language; knowledge of a limited range of topics; ability to discuss the subject matter with guidance from the instructor.
• 20–24: appropriate use of legal language; satisfactory knowledge of a limited range of topics.
• 25–29: appropriate use of legal language and sound command of legal terminology; good knowledge of the topics covered during the course.
• 30–30 with honours: appropriate use of legal language and full command of legal terminology; thorough knowledge of the topics covered during the course; strong critical analysis skills.

Registration for the final examination must be completed through the AlmaEsami online system.

Students who require reasonable accommodations for examinations due to a disability or a specific learning disorder (SLD) are invited to contact the course instructor to agree on the appropriate arrangements.

In-class Presentation

Students may give an in-class presentation on a topic selected for further study in agreement with the course instructor.

Final Dissertation (Degree Thesis)

Undergraduate and master's dissertations are supervised by Professor Centamore. Thesis topics are agreed individually with each student.

Teaching tools

Classes will be held in accordance with the teaching arrangements established by the University.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will provide guidance on any appropriate adjustments to be proposed to the students concerned. Such adjustments must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their appropriateness, also taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

For office hours, please refer to the instructor’s website.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Centamore