ABSTRACT:
Globalization, technology and knowledge based economy.
The international nature of change.
The mobility of capital and capitalism, versus potential immobility of labour.
The need of flexibility in regulation, institutions, jurisdiction and production factors.
The need for improved and permanent education, to cope with change. The key role of adaptation policies to changes.
Investment in human resources is a priority all over the world.
The new era, more than in the past, must be oriented to social goals. Social cohesion is determinant for balance in both national States and international order.
Restructuring becomes a constant necessity. But it is more and more costly. Social policy must provide for reduction of costs for workers adaptation.
Last but not least, the need of spiritual or idealistic factors underlying the policies for the new era (as in the past). Human rights, freedom from needs and fear, peace and democracy, are fundamental support for long term action.
The important role of national and international Unions on all these issues.
