The Impact of Temporary Work Agencies on the Politics of Work

Globalisation of the economy in general, and of the politics of work in particular, constitute major challenges to the Norwegian welfare society.

In this project we analyse this aspect of globalisation by analysing the significance of temporary work agencies (TWAs) in the Norwegian labour market and in labour migration.

The activities of TWAs raise concerns regarding national and transnational regulation, cross-border business relations and migration of TWA workers. TWA growth in Norway and the increase in migrant labour power in this sector arguably signal structural implications for the politics of work.

New political strategies on the part of unions are called for when sectoral organisation and full-time permanent employment are challenged by TWAs, fuelled by flexibility strategies of companies.

For a full description of the project, see Oslo Met website