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The role of trade union power resources in experimenting with ‘buying decent work’: the case of the Italian public procurement protocols

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa Dorigatti

    (University of Milan, Italy)

  • Anna Mori

    (University of Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Through an in-depth analysis of three public procurement protocols developed in Italy, this article discusses the politics of socially responsible public procurement and, in particular, of experimentation with ‘buying decent work’. We analyse the role played by trade unions in experiments aimed at improving working conditions in outsourced public services and the power resources they rely on in different phases of the ‘buying decent work’ policy cycle. We show that trade unions are the leading force in the establishment of ‘buying decent work’ principles through the mobilisation of their associational, coalitional and ideational power resources. This results in a form of state-backed institutionalisation that equips trade unions with institutional power resources, which are key in the phases of implementation and enforcement of ‘buying decent work’. Associational power resources, however, are also important in ensuring enforcement.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Dorigatti & Anna Mori, 2025. "The role of trade union power resources in experimenting with ‘buying decent work’: the case of the Italian public procurement protocols," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(2), pages 215-232, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:31:y:2025:i:2:p:215-232
    DOI: 10.1177/10242589251335757
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Isabelle Ferreras & Ian MacDonald & Gregor Murray & Valeria Pulignano, 2020. "Introduction: institutional experimentation for better (or worse) work," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 26(2), pages 113-118, May.
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    4. Anna Mori, 2020. "Employment Relations in Outsourced Public Services," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-030-24627-3, January.
    5. Anna Mori, 2024. "Explaining varieties of social solidarity in supply chains: Actors, institutions and market risks distribution in outsourced public services," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 62(2), pages 449-479, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Karen Jaehrling, 2025. "Introduction: Quiet and noisy politics in the ‘interregnum’. The case of public procurement," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(2), pages 141-159, May.

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