The German temporary staffing industry: growth, development, scandal and resistance. Issue 2 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Industrial relations journal. Volume 47:Issue 2(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 331.1942
• DOI: 10.1111/irj.12133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0019-8692

Abstract

Abstract: In Germany the size of the temporary agency workforce has almost doubled between 2002 and 2012 prompted by deregulation and expansion of temporary staffing agency networks. This article examines the growth of the temporary staffing industry in Germany revealing important milestones in the regulatory framework transformation. The article then explores the role of key actors in the development of temporary staffing industry in the Germany labour market, in particular the shifting positions of trade unions in relation to temporary agency work, as well as intervention from the state with re‐regulation in order to mitigate for exploitative affecting temporary agency workers. The findings highlight that while the growth of the German temporary staffing industry has been substantial, and that the state has been an active agent, it has not been without its controversies and challenges, and that features of the industry remain potential barriers for its future development. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd