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The precariat pandemic: Exploitation overshadowed by COVID-19 and workers’ strategies in Poland

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  • PaweÅ‚ Å»uk
  • Piotr Å»uk

Abstract

Based on the material obtained from focus group interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the article analyses the mechanisms used by employers towards employees, as well as the adaptation strategies applied by those in precarious employment in Poland. The authors’ considerations refer to anti-worker changes introduced under the pretext of the pandemic in the capitalist labour market: layoffs and cuts in wages, manifestations of discrimination against precarious workers and the potential attitudes of employee self-defence. The authors conclude that it is almost certain that under the conditions of post-pandemic capitalism, the number of the precariat will grow and the neoliberal system will want to retain as many of the anti-worker solutions introduced in the shadow of the pandemic as possible. JEL codes J70, J81, J28

Suggested Citation

  • PaweÅ‚ Å»uk & Piotr Å»uk, 2022. "The precariat pandemic: Exploitation overshadowed by COVID-19 and workers’ strategies in Poland," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 33(1), pages 200-223, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:33:y:2022:i:1:p:200-223
    DOI: 10.1177/10353046211067255
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    precariat; inequalities; capitalism; COVID-19; workers’ strategies; austerity; class;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J70 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - General
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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