Description

A book on temporary work agencies could take as its starting point the hiring of strike-breakers by stevedoring companies; the Amalthea strike of 1908 or the Ådalen strike of 1931. Or the 1933 ILO Convention and the Swedish ban of 1936. It could begin with the Social Democratic – restrictive – re-legalisation of 1991. Or the Conservative – frivolous – re-legalisation of 1993. It may have its starting point in high-profile court cases such as the Abu Garcia case in 2003.

This book has its origins in the conflict that erupted at Lagena Distribution AB during the week of Midsummer in 2009. The strike was a response to the company’s attempt to replace permanent staff with agency workers. This was seen as an infringement of the staff’s job security. Why should one be made redundant due to a shortage of work if, on the very day one leaves, one is replaced by someone from a temporary employment agency? Worse still; why should I be made redundant due to a shortage of work if it simply means I walk out to the staff car park, put on new work clothes bearing a different company logo – the agency’s logo – and go back in to do the very same job I’ve just been sacked from?

Is it any wonder that people react to this; that it strikes a chord with their sense of justice? Should things be allowed to go on like this? Labour law is a communicating vessel. Employers’ unrestricted power to use temporary work agencies at their own discretion comes at too high a cost on the other side – the employees’ side. Too many workers are being hit too hard. The very purpose of the legislation has been undermined.

It’s leaking like a sieve.

This book discusses the consequences of the legalisation of temporary work agencies and possible trade union counter-strategies.