Segmentation and transitions between temporary and long-term employment. Comparison of employment relations in automobile companies in the BRIC countries

Abstract:

The BRIC countries are often characterized by the dominance of nonstandard employment relations (temporary, agency and contract work) and informal work. But which approaches do the automobile companies follow in the BRIC countries? Do the companies rely on standard long-term employment relationships and constitute “protected islands” within the respective national economies? Or do the companies pursue the approach of segmentation between a (small) core workforce and a (broad) margin of temporary employment? How do skill requirements, labor market conditions and the regulation in the BRIC countries influence the companies’ approaches?