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SAGE Publications, Economic and Industrial Democracy, 4(43), p. 1519-1538, 2021

DOI: 10.1177/0143831x211017227

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Enforceability of rights in the temporary agency sector: The case of Belgium

Journal article published in 2021 by Kim Bosmans ORCID, Deborah De Moortel, Christophe Vanroelen
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

This study explores why temporary agency workers are disadvantaged compared to regular workers regarding their employment-related and social rights in Belgium despite extensive equal rights regulation. Fifteen in-depth interviews among temporary agency workers were analysed thematically. The enforceability of rights poses the main problem in temporary agency workers’ disadvantaged position. The following manifestations of a lack of enforceability are discussed: (1) lack of enforceability due to ignorance and indifference about rights; (2) vulnerability hindering enforceability; and (3) lack of enforceability due to misuse by employers and cutting corners. It is argued that this problem of enforceability is mainly caused by a lack of a clear allocation of responsibilities as to who should ensure the rights of temporary agency workers.