The first collective contracts drafted according to the d.lgs. n. 29 of 1993, which reformed legislation regarding employees in the public administration, represent an important chance to carry out that reform. Fírstly the author tackles several issues regarding both the legislation and the overall context into which the new con-tracts are introduced. As far as the revision of the regulation of public employees labour relations is concerned, the conclusíon ís that, although the new contracts to some extent implement the re-form, the path to a harmonisation of the private sector remains a long and difficult one.