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Sourcing in or sourcing out? Diverging migrant labour regimes and use of temporary labour in the Dutch and Austrian food industries

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa Berntsen
  • Sonila Danaj
  • Paul de Beer
  • Nikko Bilitza

Abstract

This article contributes to a nuanced theoretical understanding of industrial relations dynamics driving cross-country differences in the expansion and containment of precarious migrant labour, by investigating the role of industrial relations actors, labour market regulations and collective bargaining specifically. It compares the differential reliance on temporary and migrant labour in the food (and meat) sector in the Netherlands and Austria, two countries with a strong corporatist industrial relations tradition. The analysis draws on desk and policy research and interviews with trade union representatives, inspectors, employers, works councillors and migrant workers. The findings highlight the importance of regulations regarding flexible employment, the strength of sectoral industrial relations and collective bargaining, and representation at the workplace to explain the different outcomes for migrant workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Berntsen & Sonila Danaj & Paul de Beer & Nikko Bilitza, 2025. "Sourcing in or sourcing out? Diverging migrant labour regimes and use of temporary labour in the Dutch and Austrian food industries," Discussion Papers 76, Central European Labour Studies Institute (CELSI).
    • Handle: RePEc:cel:dpaper:76
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Stefania Marino & Arjan Keizer, 2023. "Labour market regulation and the demand for migrant labour: A comparison of the adult social care sector in England and the Netherlands," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 29(2), pages 159-176, June.
    5. Ines Wagner, 2015. "Rule Enactment in a Pan-European Labour Market: Transnational Posted Work in the German Construction Sector," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 53(4), pages 692-710, December.
    6. Arjan Keizer & Mat Johnson & Trine P Larsen & Bjarke Refslund & Damian Grimshaw, 2024. "Unions and precarious work: How power resources shape diverse strategies and outcomes," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 30(4), pages 383-402, December.
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