Non-standard employment has been growing during the last decades and workers involved experience a higher probability of protective gaps and precariousness, together with unequal treatments and disparities. Research has emphasized the role of institutions, including industrial relations. Based on the findings of an international research project, the chapter analyses union strategies to improve conditions of «atypical workers» and to reduce gaps and inequalities in five EU countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain). The analysis focuses on temporary agency work. Findings show across-countries common union strategies, reflecting similarities in factors, characteristics and dynamics of protective gaps and unequal treatments, including some innovative experiences. These various initiatives, as a whole, have achieved important results, but they have emerged as non-sufficient. Findings suggest that to significantly reduce such problems it is necessary not only proactivity and innovation capacity of trade unions, but also greater commitment and engagement by employers and political actors.
Tackling unequal treatments and protection gaps. Union strategies for temporary agency workers
Pedaci Marcello
2020-01-01
Abstract
Non-standard employment has been growing during the last decades and workers involved experience a higher probability of protective gaps and precariousness, together with unequal treatments and disparities. Research has emphasized the role of institutions, including industrial relations. Based on the findings of an international research project, the chapter analyses union strategies to improve conditions of «atypical workers» and to reduce gaps and inequalities in five EU countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain). The analysis focuses on temporary agency work. Findings show across-countries common union strategies, reflecting similarities in factors, characteristics and dynamics of protective gaps and unequal treatments, including some innovative experiences. These various initiatives, as a whole, have achieved important results, but they have emerged as non-sufficient. Findings suggest that to significantly reduce such problems it is necessary not only proactivity and innovation capacity of trade unions, but also greater commitment and engagement by employers and political actors.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
