Abstract

The Author recalls the historical origin of the participated bodies (the so-called "enti bilaterali" E.B.) and the main differences existing among some of them. Act n. 276/2003 is aimed at promoting the model of the E.B. in order to support and to disseminate in Italy a new conception of industrial relations. But the Act failed in achieving its purposes, at least in the concerned period: on one side the E.B. did not numerically increase; on the other side, they never operated their functions of certification of labour contracts and placement services. In the closing remarks is stated how the E.B. are an important but still marginal phenomenon, continuing to provide services today as in the past.