This article gives a historical analysis of pensions reform in Italy over the last two decades, in the attempt to cast light on the role of the unions in the political process and make some suggestions as to the redistributory consequences of the reforms agreed, commenting on the competing strategies of the negotiators to distribute the costs and benefits of the new measures. A study of the various reforms agreed and their redistributory effects (particularly the 1995 Dini Reform) makes possible an initial evaluation of the unions’ work. While some of the literature has emphasised their defence of their members’ interests (to the detriment of collective interests) this analysis shows a more complex interaction between ideas and preferences. The brief comparison with other European countries confirms the need to consider interests in order to understand the reform processes of the so-cial policies and their outcomes, even with a more wide-ranging approach.only subscribers can see the full article