From crisis-induced labour reforms to reform-induced social crises

Abstract

In Europe, the post-2008 crisis years were marked by systematic government efforts to retrench and restructure essential workplace and labour market protections. These policy changes were designed ostensibly to bring efficiency, affordability and flexibility to national economies, thereby promoting growth and stimulating recovery. A wide range of reforms were implemented in the main European Union member states between 2008 and 2013. An examination of various socio-economic indicators reveals significant gaps between the justification of these reforms, their goals as well as their impact on the well-being of Europe’s population. The findings have important implications for future economic policy actions at this critical juncture in the coronavirus pandemic.