The Selective Return of Labor Casualization in Western European Ports

Journal title SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO
Author/s Ismail Doga Karatepe, Christoph Scherrer
Publishing Year 2024 Issue 2024/169
Language English Pages 21 P. 52-72 File size 261 KB
DOI 10.3280/SL2024-169003
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This study examines the impact of demands for labor flexibility on the peculiar post-World War II labor regimes in the ports of Antwerp and Hamburg. These labor regimes included the formation of monopolistic pools of unionized dockworkers, which guaranteed companies a steady supply of experienced personnel and an elementary form of job security for registered workers. The study argues that dockworkers were able to more or less defend the pool system. However, a “market” labor control regime developed for logistical workers outside the confines of these ports, in the immediate vicinity of these ports as well as in Vlissingen, a new port near Antwerp. Vlissingen has become particularly important for the handling of perishable fruit, such as bananas, whose handling requires a high degree of flexibility. The research is guided by the power resources approach and the concept of labor control regimes. It includes field visits and expert interviews.

Keywords: Dock workers; banana transportation; decent work; Western European Ports

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Ismail Doga Karatepe, Christoph Scherrer, The Selective Return of Labor Casualization in Western European Ports in "SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO " 169/2024, pp 52-72, DOI: 10.3280/SL2024-169003