This essay deals with an investigation of the principies and the objectives of the public employment reform in relation to the obstacles and the difficulties arose in the first three years.
After some general remarks, the paper dwells upon items which are deeled as particularly critical, such as: the distinction between political supervision and admínistrative management; the equalization of public and private sector work mies; the effectiveness of collective bargaining.
These observatíons are developed with specific regard to the implementation of the 1993 reform at local level, with particular attention to the experience car-ried out in Emilia Romagna.